Tetons

At the high and mid elevations backcountry travelers could easily trigger soft slabs 8 to 18 inches in depth on steep slopes. Rapid snowfall rates followed by strong westerly winds have moved the new snow onto lee slopes and cross-loaded gullies. Yesterday a skier triggered a large, hard slab avalanche on approach to the north face of Mt. Oliver. The firmer slab was the result of active snow transport prior to the newer snowfall. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.

Light snowfall in the mountains is forecasted to continue overnight then taper to occasional light snow Monday. Temperatures Monday will rise from the single digits to the mid teens and ridge top winds will be westerly at 25 miles per hour.In the Tetons the avalanche hazard will be Considerable. Soft slabs to 30 inches in depth and sloughs will be easily triggered on avalanche terrain. The slabs rest on slick sun crusts and wind packed snow. Increasing winds have the potential to move the light density new snow and increase the size and sensitivity of slabs on lee slopes.In the Togwotee Pass and Greys River areas the avalanche hazard will be Moderate. Backcountry users could trigger slabs to 12 inches in depth on steep, lee slopes at higher elevations.