Tetons

The General Avalanche Hazard is CONSDIERABLE at the Mid and Upper elevations and MODERATE at the Lower elevations. High Southwesterly, Westerly, and Northwesterly winds at 30 to 50 mph, with gusts to 80 mph, have been sustained since Saturday creating a variety conditions. At the upper elevations, areas of hard wind slab to 3 feet, scoured windward slopes, and even stripped leeward slopes can all be found. These slabs, which lie atop suncrusts and buried surface hoar, could be triggered by backcountry travelers or release naturally, and still have the potential of stepping down to deeper weak layers with severe consequences. At the lower elevations, where the wind has had less influence, soft slabs and loose snow are more common. The ability to identify wind loaded avalanche paths along with excellent route finding skills are both essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain today.

A southwest flow will develop bringing a chance of light snowfall. 9500 foot temperatures will reach into the mid twenties under partly cloudy skies. Winds will be southwesterly at 15 to 25 miles per hour. The General Avalanche Hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE on Tuesday. The primary sliding surface for avalanches is a layer of weak surface hoar 10 to 20 or more inches deep. Surface hoar is resistant to strengthening and prolongs the time when slides are easily triggered after a storm. As the first fair weather comes after days of strong winds, bitter cold and snow - remain vigilant, use careful routefinding skills and carry avalanche rescue equipment.