Tetons

Significant snowfall and strong winds through the week have resulted in DANGEROUS AVALANCHE CONDITIONS in the backcountry. At the high elevations, soft and hard slab avalanches with total depths to four feet could release naturally or be easily triggered by backcountry skiers or riders in steep, wind loaded terrain. At the mid elevations, slabs with three foot depths could be easily triggered. Avalanches at low elevations are not likely today except in the form of loose snow sluffs. Several natural and skier triggered slides were reported yesterday.

A transitory ridge of high pressure is expected to build overnight and only scattered snow showers are expected by Sunday morning. Another short wave is expected to bring another round of light to moderate snowfall tomorrow. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the mid to upper single digits before rising into the low 20s on Sunday. Ridgetop winds will be southwesterly at 15 to 25 miles per hour.The General Avalanche Hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE on Sunday. Natural avalanche activity will be possible, and backcountry travelers will likely trigger newly formed soft slabs up to two feet in depth in steep, wind loaded terrain. Releasing deeper slabs, up to four feet, will also remain possible. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route finding, and conservative decision making will all be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain on Sunday.