Tetons

Since Saturday evening, mountain storm totals range from 4 to 8 inches. In terrain that held snow prior to the recent snowfall, skiers and riders might be able to trigger an isolated pocket of slab up to a foot deep in very steep, wind loaded starting zones above 9,000 feet. Early season conditions exist, and even small slides can result in serious injuries if backcountry travelers are swept into bare, rocky terrain. In most of the terrain below 9,000 feet, the storm snow fell onto bare ground or patchy old snow, and the potential for avalanches has not yet developed.

Skies are to be partly to mostly cloudy tonight with increasing chances of snow after midnight that could bring an inch of snow to the western mountains by sunrise. Snow showers are expected throughout the day on Tuesday with one to three inches of additional snowfall expected. Mountain temperatures are to rise from the single digits to the upper teens. Winds are to be southwesterly at 10 to 20 miles per hour. In the valleys, accumulations of around an inch of snow are expected and temperatures are to reach into the mid-twenties. The avalanche danger rating will be Low above 9000 feet and will not be rated below that elevation due to insufficient snow depths. Above 9000’, isolated pockets of slab could exist where recent snow has been blown onto old snow surfaces in steep terrain. The greatest risk associated with backcountry travel lies in the fact that the snowpack is very shallow and many rocks and other hazards exist that could cause injury in a very small avalanche or simply while travelling. Use Caution.