Tetons

The general avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE at the upper elevations and MODERATE at the mid elevations. New snow and winds have created surface slabs, added load to existing instabilities, and built upon cornices. Human triggered slab avalanches up to several feet in depth are probable on steep, wind loaded aspects. Over the last two days, several events of human triggered avalanches have been reported with depths up to four feet on North through East aspects. Backcountry users should also be aware of large cornices, which may break out higher than expect, or lull people into thinking they are traveling on solid ground. At low elevations avalanches are unlikely, except in runout zones where they may be triggered from above and run full track.

A clearing trend will continue Sunday night into Monday as high pressure builds into the region. A weak upper level low pressure system will move southeast across the area Monday night bringing snow but little accumulation. Monday mountain highs should be in the upper teens and ridegetop winds will be westerly at 20 to 25 mph.AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TETON, TOGWOTEE PASS / CONTINENTAL DIVIDE AND GREYS RIVER / SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREAS:The General Avalanche Hazard is expected to remain CONSIDERABLE at upper elevations and MODERATE at mid elevations. New snow and winds over the past several days have created slabs to four feet in depth. As the weather clears and backcountry enthusiasts venture out they will find slabs resting on a variety of slippery surfaces depending on aspect and steepness. South facing areas are underlain by sun crusts and on east to north aspects surface hoar, faceted snow and density changes have all been seen as sliding layers. Travelers continue to release slides on steep slopes that sit over areas of sedimentary rock bands in the southern end of the Tetons. Backcountry users are advised to consult area specific forecasts issued every morning as new information may become available and unexpected weather can change conditions.