Tetons

The snowpack is mostly stable this morning. The hazard will begin to increase at the upper elevations this afternoon as strong southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds combine with dense snowfall to produce isolated pockets of wind slab three to six inches deep in leeward terrain. These slabs, which are forming on sun crusts and areas of surface hoar, could build up to a foot deep by this evening. If triggered, these small slides have the potential to sweep skiers and riders over cliffs or into terrain traps. If rapid loading occurs, be willing to alter your travel plans.

Periods of snowfall will decrease in intensity overnight before mostly dry conditions develop on Sunday. Nighttime lows in the mountains will be in the teens before rising into the 20s in the afternoon. Strong westerly ridgetop winds at 30 to 45 miles per hour will continue overnight before decreasing to 15 to 25 during the day. On Sunday, the general avalanche hazard is expected to be Low in the Tetons. Pockets of shallow wind slab up to a foot deep could be triggered by skiers and riders in steep, wind-loaded terrain above 9,000 feet. While relatively small, these slides have the potential to sweep backcountry travelers over cliff bands or into terrain traps. In isolated areas in the Togwotee Pass and Greys River forecast zones, the chance of triggering deep persistent slabs will linger. There, the general avalanche hazard will remain Moderate.