Tetons

Widespread light density snowfall is expected to continue through Saturday evening with an additional 1 to 2 inches possible by Sunday morning. Westerly ridgetop winds are projected to increase in the morning hours to 20 to 30 mph as they veer to the Northwest. Cold conditions should continue with overnight lows in the mountains in the negative single digits and near zero in the valley. Daytime highs on Sunday are forecasted to be around 10 down low and in the single digits up high.The General Avalanche Hazard in TETON area is expected to remain MODERATE on Sunday. The possibility of backcountry travelers triggering surface slabs one to three in depth persists on steep, wind loaded slopes. These slabs have the potential of carrying skiers or riders into terrain traps or over cliffbands.The General Avalanche Hazard in the CONTINENTAL DIVIDE/TOGWOTEE PASS and SOUTHWEST TRAILS/GREYS RIVER areas is also expected to remain MODERATE. In addition to the possibility of triggering surface slabs similar to those in the Teton area, persistent deep slab instabilities lurk. These supportable slabs, which conceal a base of weak, well-developed faceted snow, can give backcountry travelers a false sense of security. Severe consequences await the unlucky person that releases this avalanche dragon.A varied snowpack has developed in Western Wyoming and CAUTION IS ADVISED. Both the surface slab and the deep slab problems that confront backcountry travelers this season can be difficult to predict. Over the past few weeks, numerous instances have occurred where slopes have failed after seeing significant traffic, while similar slopes have been heavily abused without incidence. Avalanche events have also been triggered remotely or on approach.