A potent winter storm is currently hitting the Tetons and forecasters are calling for up to 20″ in localized, east facing areas.
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Grand Targhee is currently forecasted to receive the most with up to 17″ by Monday morning. Teton Pass and Jackson Hole will follow close behind. If you’re spending time in the backcountry, be sure to make conservative terrain choices until the new snow has a chance to settle and bond.
Forecasted Snowfall Totals:
Grand Targhee – 17″
Teton Pass – 14″
Jackson Hole – 12″
General Avalanche Advisory [Tetons]
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning effective through 6 AM on Sunday. At the mid and upper elevations, skiers and riders could trigger loose snow sluffs and pockets of newly developed wind slab in steep, avalanche-prone terrain. As the day progresses, the hazard will increase as these slabs gain depth and volume. Monitor snowfall amounts and avoid steep terrain with obvious signs of wind loading. The lower elevation snowpack, which has undergone numerous melt-freeze cycles and rain events, is mostly resistant to wet slides even with valley rain in the forecast.
Winter Storm Warning
…Heavy wet snow for the western mountains and valleys through tonight, spreading into the Bighorn mountains through Sunday…
A strong wet Pacific low pressure trough will bring periods of heavy wet snow to the Teton, Gros Ventre, Wyoming, Salt River and Wind river mountains at times through night. A rain snow mix is expected at times below 7500 feet in the Star valley and Jackson Hole today. Snow will spread east into the Bighorn mountains today and extend through Sunday.
…WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM MDT SUNDAY…
* TIMING…Widespread snow showers will continue with heaviest accumulations expected above 7500 feet. Periods of moderate to heavy snow this morning will become light this afternoon before returning again tonight.
* Snow accumulation…10 to 20 inches possible.
* MAIN IMPACT…Travel over Teton and Togwotee passes may become
difficult with deep wet snow accumulating on road surfaces and
visibility being reduced below an eighth of a mile at times.
* OTHER IMPACTS…Heavy wet snow may make outdoor activities
difficult and increase the threat of hypothermia for those
without proper winter clothing.