Tetons

The General Avalanche Hazard remains MODERATE at the Mid and Upper elevations and LOW at the Lower elevations. Two avalanche scenarios are possible today. First, surface slabs one to three feet in depth, which rest atop suncrusts and buried surface hoar, remain susceptible to human triggers. The second avalanche problem is deep slab instability, which is most problematic in areas that have a shallow, continental snowpack. In these shallower snowpacks, which can be found on sunlit aspects and recently covered cliff bands and rock outcroppings, weak faceted snow lies beneath a supportable upper snowpack, and can give backcountry travelers a false sense of security. Yesterday, two skiers triggered and were partially buried by a similar slide on a Southeast aspect near The Great White Hump on Teton Pass while they skinned up the slope for the second time. Similar events are possible today, and caution is warranted. At the lower elevations avalanches are unlikely.

Cold, dry high pressure will remain over the region Monday. Overnight lows will be around ten below and Monday's mountain highs will reach into the low teens. Cold air will remain pooled on the valley floors with lows around -20 and highs in the single digits. Mountain top winds will be light and Northerly. The General Avalanche Hazard will be MODERATE Monday. Two avalanche scenarios remain possible: First, surface slabs one to three feet in depth, which rest atop suncrusts and buried surface hoar, remain susceptible to human triggers on many aspects. The second avalanche problem is deep slab instability. Normal signs of stability such as previous tracks may only be the beginning of the weakening of the stronger surface snows. Under the current weather conditions the snowpack will become weaker and weaker and the chances of triggering a large, hard slab will increase. This condition has existed in the Greys river area to the South and Togwotee Pass to the East and is now responsible for slides in the Teton Range.