TetonSnowInfo

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect through 11 AM this morning. Sustained snowfall and moderately strong ridgetop winds have created dangerous avalanche conditions. At the mid and upper elevations, skiers and riders could easily trigger small to large wind slabs in steep, wind loaded terrain. Loose snow sluffs will be possible on slopes less affected by the wind. Continued snowfall this morning will further load persistent weak layers of faceted snow deeper in the snowpack. These large slabs could be triggered directly by backcountry travelers or indirectly by stepping down from the release of a wind slab. Any breaks in cloud cover in the afternoon could make these slabs more susceptible to failure on sunlit aspects. Natural activity will also be possible. At the lower elevations, backcountry travelers could trigger slab avalanches one to two feet in depth. Expert snowpack evaluation and route selection skills will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.