Tetons

The General Avalanche Hazard is MODERATE at the upper elevations and LOW at the Mid and Low elevations. Strong Northwesterly and Westerly winds have transported existing and new snow onto leeward slopes, creating pockets of shallow wind slabs along upper-elevation ridgelines. These sensitive slabs, which lie atop buried surface hoar and suncrusts, could be easily triggered on steep, wind-loaded slopes, and have the potential of sweeping backcountry travelers over cliff bands or into terrain traps. Below 9,000 feet, mostly stable snow exists and avalanches are unlikely.On a sad note, Ed La Chapelle died of natural causes on Thursday. He pioneered the study of avalanches in North America. At age 80, he spent his last day skiing with close friends. May we all be so lucky.

Cloud cover is expected to increase along with a chance of light, scattered snow showers as minor ripples move through the Northwest flow. The warming trend is forecasted to continue with mountain highs in the mid 20s and the valley rising to near 30. Strong Westerly winds at 25 to 35 mph should persist.The General Avalanche Hazard in the TETONS is expected to remain MODERATE at the upper elevations and LOW at the Mid and Low elevations on Sunday. Easily triggered wind slabs six to eighteen inches in depth, which lie atop surface hoar and suncrusts, have the potential of sweeping backcountry travelers over cliffbands or into terrain traps.