Tetons

In the morning the general avalanche hazard is LOW at all elevations as a stable snowpack exists and the avalanche hazard is limited to shallow isolated pockets of surface slabs at the high elevations in very steep terrain where crusts have not formed. At the low elevations, the hazard is expected to increase to MODERATE this afternoon when warming will weaken the surface crust making wet slides possible.

Windy conditions will continue into the evening hours and then decrease after midnight. Snow showers over the mountains will also decrease after midnight as the storm system leaves the area. Drier conditions and 20 to 30 mph southwesterly ridge top winds are expected on Sunday. Skies should become partly cloudy with mountain temperatures rising into the mid 20s. In the valley, temperatures are expected to rise above freezing.AVALANCHE HAZARD FORECAST FOR THE TETON, TOGWOTEE PASS, AND SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREAS:The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at the high elevation, and LOW below 9,000 feet in the morning. Pockets of soft slab up to 12 inches could be triggered by backcountry users on steep leeward slopes. In the afternoon at the low elevation, clearing skies and warm temperatures could soften weak surface crusts resulting in wet loose slides, increasing the avalanche hazard to MODERATE. Above 7,500 feet on sunlit aspects, sun balls and pinwheels could be seen, but should be isolated to new snow, which overlie stronger crusts that are unlikely to breakdown.Backcountry users are advised to consult area specific forecasts issued every morning as new information may become available and unexpected weather can change conditions.