Tetons

Very heavy, dense snowfall containing over one and a half inches of moisture and strong westerly winds in the past 24 hours have created easily triggered or naturally occurring slabs to two feet in depth at mid and upper elevations. Expected temperatures near freezing will further weaken the snowpack. The newer snow rests on weaker, lighter density snow over good sliding surfaces. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. At low elevations continued above freezing temperatures have resulted in several natural wet-loose and wet-slab avalanches in the Snake River Canyon. Similar events should be expected in steep areas like ravines or road cuts.

Snowfall is expected to taper off late Monday night with light snow forecasted for Tuesday ahead of the next system arriving Tuesday evening. Temperatures at 9,500 feet should cool to 20 degrees by morning then warm to the mid 20s during the day. Winds will be westerly at 20 miles per hour.Easily triggered or naturally running slabs to three feet in depth are increasing in size this evening. Travel in avalanche terrain will not be recomended as the hazard will be HIGH at upper elevations in the Tetons and Greys River areas and MODERATE in the Togwotee Pass area. Cooler temperatures will reduce the chance of wet slides at lower elevations where the danger will be LOW. Very steep areas such as ravines could hold isolated pockets of warm snow that could be human triggered.