Tetons

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning through 6 PM on Monday. Increasing snowfall intensity and strong southwesterly ridgetop winds will combine to form pockets of shallow wind slab in leeward terrain at the mid and upper elevations. As the day progresses, the chance for backcountry travelers to trigger these slabs will slowly increase. Take note of any rapid loading events and be willing to adjust your plans accordingly. The snowpack is mostly stable at the lower elevations and avalanches are unlikely.

A potent low pressure system will move inland and bring periods of heavy snowfall and strong winds to the mountains. Snowfall totals of 7 to 14 inches are possible at the higher elevations by Monday evening. Strong southwest to west winds with average speeds of 25 to 35 and gusts to 50 miles per hour will accompany this snowfall. Temperatures will remain in the 20s in the mountains. Periods of rain and snow may continue at the lower elevations where the freezing level is expected to drop to the valley levels overnight and rise to 7,800 feet in the afternoon.In the mountains the hazard will increase overnight and during the day. Strong winds will create new wind slabs on leeward aspects. These slabs are expected to grow to depths of two feet in upper elevation avalanche starting zones and be sensitive to human triggers. The general avalanche hazard is expected to increase to MODERATE by morning and may increase to CONSIDERABLE at the upper elevations during the day if periods of high intensity snowfall are sustained. Natural avalanche activity may become possible.