Tetons

At the mid and upper elevations, hard slabs up to five feet in depth continue to present a serious threat to backcountry travelers venturing into steep avalanche paths that did not slide during the last storm cycle. Larger triggers, such as snowmobiles, are more likely to impact these deep instabilities. While the snowpack is becoming more stable, it is also becoming more variable. A slope could be crossed multiple times before a weak spot is encountered, releasing one of these hard slabs. In other areas, the weight of a single person could act as a remote trigger. Daytime warming and sunshine will increase the likelihood of triggering these slabs on sunlit aspects. Clear skies tend to encourage people to take greater risks. Conservation terrain choices and restraint are essential; the consequences of being caught in one of these slabs could be fatal. At the lower elevations, the snowpack is mostly stable and avalanche activity is limited to isolated pockets in very steep terrain.

Some cloud cover is possible overnight and during the day on Monday. A cold front will move through in the evening bringing a chance for a light dusting of snow in the mountains. Overnight lows up high will be near 10 before rising into the mid 20s during the day. Northeasterly ridgetop winds will range from 5 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE on Monday. Hard slabs, up to five feet in depth, continue to threaten backcountry travelers venturing into steep avalanche paths that did not slide during the last storm cycle. Larger triggers, such as snowmobiles, are more likely to impact these deep instabilities. While the snowpack is becoming more stable, it is also becoming more variable. A slope could be crossed multiple times before a weak spot is encountered, releasing one of these hard slabs. In other areas, the weight of a single person could act as a remote trigger. If skies are mostly clear, the likelihood of triggering these slabs on sunlit aspects will increase. The consequences of being caught could be fatal and caution is advised.