Tetons

The General Avalanche Hazard is LOW at all elevations this morning as below freezing overnight temperatures have hardened the snow surface prior to the onset of new precipitation. Even though low hazard is predicted this morning avalanche activity could occur at the high elevations in the form suface sluffs and in isolated pockets of surface slab to 8". The hazard will quickly rise to MODERATE this afternoon at all elevations as new snow increases the size and sensitivity of the surface slabs at the mid and high elevations and warming temperatures and potential rain provide the possibility of wet slides at the lowest elevations.

The weather system that is currently over Idaho will move east across the area tonight. This unstable airmass could produce periods of heavy snowfall and possibly isolated thunderstorms through the evening, producing up to 3 inches of new snow. Some snow showers may linger into Sunday, but accumulations should be light. Overnight mountain lows will be in the teens before rising into the high 20s tomorrow. The valley will dip into the teens tonight, then climbing to near 40 in the afternoon. Ridge top winds will be in 20s in the morning out of the Southwest, veering to the Northwest and decreasing during the day. AVALANCHE HAZARD FORECAST FOR THE TETON, TOGWOTEE PASS, AND SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREAS:The general avalanche hazard at the upper elevation could rise to MODERATE by tomorrow if forecasted accumulations materialize, adding weight to existing soft slabs. Below 9,000 feet, LOW avalanche hazard is expected in the morning, before increasing temperatures weaken the low elevation snowpack, providing for the possibility of wet slide activity.