Tetons

Soft surface slabs formed by southwest to west winds up to three feet deep at the upper elevations, two feet deep at the mid elevations and in isolated pockets at the lower elevations exist. Depending on the aspect and elevation these slabs lie upon buried layers of suncrust, windpack and surface hoar. These slabs have been sensitive to human triggers and have run long distances in very steep terrain. Loose snow sluffs could be triggered in very steep non-wind affected terrain or release spontaneously if steep snow covered slopes are exposed to direct sunshine or rapidly increasing temperatures.

After a dry night, snowfall will return to the mountains during the day on Saturday. Potential storm accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are possible by Sunday afternoon. Southwest winds are forecast to increase during the day with average wind speeds of 42 MPH and gusts to 64 MPH expected by Saturday afternoon. Temperatures will rise into the 20's. AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TETON, TOGWOTEE PASS / CONTINENTAL DIVIDE AND GREYS RIVER / SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREAS:The general avalanche hazard is expected to remain MODERATE, but be on the increase in the afternoon. Existing surface slabs recieved additional snow loads from strong west to northwest winds Friday morning. Backcountry users could trigger slab avalanches up to several feet deep on steep wind loaded avalanche prone slopes. Backcountry users are advised to consult area specific forecasts issued every morning as new information may become available and unexpected weather can change conditions.