Tetons

Very strong gusty northwesterly winds midday on Friday added depth and volume to existing surface slabs and likely hardened the surfaces of these slabs. Harder slabs can be more dangerous because they may allow backcountry travellers to get further out onto them or cross them multiple times before they fail with severe consequences. Yesterday a skier was reported to have triggered a four foot deep slab on the Chicken Scratch slide path on Mount Glory and was buried to the neck. In Little Tuckermans several skiers were partially buried in the runout zone when a three foot deep slab failed after they had skied that slope. Similar events are possible today. With new snow in the forecast and the continued wind transport of available snow occuring, the hazard will continue to increase as the day progresses.

Moderate to heavy snowfall will continue this evening, but should taper off to scattered snow showers by midnight. Storm totals are forecasted to range from 5 to 10 inches in the higher elevations, decreasing to 3 to 5 inches in the valley. Southwest winds should veer Westerly, averaging 20 to 30 mph. Light snow may linger through Sunday, with an additional inch or two, as high pressure begins to build Sunday afternoon.AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TETON, TOGWOTEE PASS / CONTINENTAL DIVIDE AND GREYS RIVER / SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREAS:The general avalanche hazard is expected to remain CONSIDERABLE. New snow and winds will create surface slabs, and add load to existing instabilities. Backcountry skiers and riders could trigger slab avalanches up to several feet deep on steep wind loaded avalanche prone slopes. Large cornices developed last week, continue to build, and also pose a threat. Be aware of these cornices will traveling along ridgelines, as they have the potential of breaking out higher than expected, or lulling people into thinking they are traveling on solid ground.Backcountry users are advised to consult area specific forecasts issued every morning as new information may become available and unexpected weather can change conditions.