Tetons

At the upper elevations, isolated areas of unstable snow persist on very steep, northerly aspects which lie upon old, October snow. In these areas, backcountry travelers still have some potential of triggering dense slabs up to two feet in depth. A shallow snowpack at the mid elevations quickly transitions to mostly bare ground in the valley, and avalanches are unlikely.

High level clouds and cooler air will move into the region Monday night ahead of a weather system that will impact the area by Tuesday afternoon. Tuesday will be windy as the storm system arrives. Light snow by early Tuesday morning will increase in intensity during the day then taper by late night. Mountain winds will be from the southwest at 35 to 40 miles per hour with higher gusts. Daytime highs will reach only the upper teens. Mountain snowfall totals are forecasted in the 4 to 7 inch range. The General Avalanche Hazard is expected to increase to Moderate or higher. The new snow will be driven by strong winds and rapidly build sensitive slabs on lee slopes. The new snow will fall on weak, faceted snow that has developed on light density snow from the Thanksgiving period. Under the light density snow is a firm, dense layer from the earlier warm storms that will provide a good surface for slides. Backcountry travelers should watch rapidly changing conditions carefully and be prepared to alter plans as needed.