Tetons

Strong west-northwest winds have transported snow along the highest ridgelines and contributed to cornice development. A snowslide triggered by this loading was observed yesterday morning in Indian Lake Cirque in the southern Teton Range. Slabs up to several feet deep exist at the mid and upper elevations and lie upon a persistant problem layer of buried faceted snow. These slabs have some potential to be triggered by a single skier on steep slopes even if that slope has been previously crossed multiple times. At low elevations avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets.

A cold and dry North to Northwest flow aloft will continue through Monday, along with breezy ridge top conditions averaging 30 mph with gusts into the upper 40s. While the temperature inversion will persist, a warming trend is expected. Overnight lows will dip into the upper single digits at 10,000 feet and then warm up into the upper 20s during the day on Sunday. Valley fog should be seen overnight and in the early morning hours.AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TETON, TOGWOTEE PASS/CONTINENTAL DIVIDE AREAS AND GREYS RIVER/SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREAThe general avalanche hazard is expected to remain MODERATE at the upper and mid elevations and LOW at elevations below 7,500 feet. Backcountry users could still trigger pockets of slab up to two feet in depth tomorrow on steep shaded aspects and shallow faceted areas around exposed rocks and cliff bands. Below 7,500 feet, avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Backcountry users are advised to consult area specific forecasts issued every morning as expected conditions can change overnight due to unexpected weather developments and new information may become available.