Tetons

The avalanche danger is Low in the majority of terrain today. The exception to this is on steep wind loaded slopes in the upper elevations, where lingering pockets of wind slab may still be triggered by skiers and riders. In this specific terrain the danger is Moderate. Warming temperatures and periods of sunshine this morning will make triggering these slabs more likely. Expect shallow wet loose activity on steep sunlit aspects as well. Increasing clouds in the afternoon will help to lessen the likelihood of triggering avalanches.

Snow is expected to fall in the mountains overnight with accumulations of 2-4 inches expected. Snow showers are to taper off by morning and skies are to slowly clear, becoming mostly sunny in the late afternoon. Temperatures are to be cooler with highs reaching the upper twenties in the mountains and the low to mid thirties in towns. The avalanche danger will remain Moderate above 9000 feet in the Teton and Togwetee pass areas where a chance continues to trigger small wind slabs in steep leeward terrain. Such events are expected to have slab depths of a foot or less. Avalanches below 9000 feet will be unlikely. In these zones, watch out for wind loaded features and remember that small slides can still have dire consequences in unforgiving terrain and many fatal accidents have occurred in similar conditions. In the Southwest Trails area, the danger will be Moderate above 8000 feet where slabs on wind loaded slopes could involve deeper layers and release to depths of two feet. Avalanches below 8000 feet will be unlikely. In this area looking for wind loaded features is not enough and examining the layering under the near surface crust is recommended to identify slopes where the snowpack is weak. High elevation terrain that is steep and shallow should be avoided.