Tetons

Forecasted heavy snowfall rates and strong south southwest winds today will develop easily triggered soft slabs on lee slopes at Mid and Upper elevations by afternoon. The slabs are developing on hard, smooth, windpack surfaces. There is some potential for surface slides to pull out older, hard slabs to 30 inches in depth. As the storm progresses be alert to local variations in snow depth and wind. Use careful snowpack evaluation and practice cautious routefinding. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.

Heavy snowfall is expected to continue into this evening before moderating overnight. Periods of snowfall will continue on Sunday along with southwesterly ridgetop winds at 20 to 30 miles per hour. Mountain temperatures should be in the low to mid teens during the day.On Sunday, the general avalanche hazard in the Tetons is expected to be HIGH at the upper elevations and CONSIDERABLE between 9,000 and 7,500 feet. New surface slabs, up to three feet in depth, are likely to release naturally and very likely to be human triggered. Dense hard slabs, failing above early season crusts, could also release to four feet deep. Below 7,500 feet, the general avalanche hazard is LOW and avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets in very steep shaded terrain. TRAVEL IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED ABOVE 9,000 FEET.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE in the Togwotee Pass and Greys River areas. New surface slabs one to two feet in depth, along with deeper hard slabs to three feet, are likely to be triggered by backcountry travelers and could release naturally. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route finding, and conservative decision making are all essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain on Sunday.