Tetons

The General Avalanche Hazard is MODERATE at Upper elevations on the Crest and West slopes of the Tetons. Up to six inches of new snow in the past 36 hours has fallen on the upper elevations of the West slopes of the Tetons and has created sensitive slabs to a foot in depth. The slabs sit on slick sun crusts and weak, faceted snow. On the East side of the range the early season snowpack is mostly stable and only small sloughs in the new snow are likely but the slick surfaces could enable sloughs to entrain enough snow to become hazardous. The General Avalanche Hazard is LOW at Mid and Low elevations where the snowpack is shallow and less snow has accumulated.

After light snow Tuesday night a strong system will bring increasing winds then moderate snowfall by late Wednesday morning then possibly heavy snowfall in the afternoon and evening. Snowfall amounts up to six inches are possible by by evening. Winds will be strong from the West to Southwest with forty mile per hour averages and gusts to 70. Forecasted snow and high winds will rapidly increase the General Avalanche Hazard through the day to CONSIDERABLE. All aspects have some weak surfaces and/or layers that will make triggering slides hard to predict. This will be the first period this winter when hazard evaluation skills like ski cutting safe slopes, digging snow pits and using good route finding skills will be essential.