Tetons

Nearly two feet of snow since Wednesday and strong West to Southwest winds have resulted in dangerous avalanche conditions in the backcountry. In steep wind loaded avalanche terrain, skiers and riders have the potential to trigger sensitive soft slabs to depths of up to three feet. Deeper hard slabs could also release that lie upon weak faceted snow at the base of the snowpack. Continued snowfall, wind, and warming temperatures will increase this hazard as the day progresses. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious routefinding and conservative decision making are essential. Avalanches at low elevations are unlikely.

An upper level ridge over the western U.S. will bring northwest flow to the area. Some moisture may make it up and over the ridge resulting in light, scattered snowfall through the day on Sunday. Overnight lows in the mountains are expected to be near 10 before rising into the upper teens on Sunday. Ridgetop winds will be northwesterly at 15 to 25 miles per hour.At the mid and upper elevations in the Tetons and in the Southwest Trails/Greys River area, the general avalanche hazard is expected to be Considerable, and Moderate in the Togwotee Pass/Continental Divide area. Above 8000 feet, backcountry skiers or riders could trigger new soft slabs on steep, wind loaded slopes. Older hard slabs could also be triggered, or step down from surface slabs. In the Tetons, where more snow has fallen, these soft slabs may have depths of up to two to three feet; the underlying hard slabs may release to the ground. In the other forecast areas, where less snow has fallen, similar conditions exist with smaller slab depths.