Tetons

The General Avalanche Hazard at mid and upper elevations is CONSIDERABLE. Nearly a foot of new, light density snow in the past twenty four hours brings the total since Friday to over two feet. South to southwest wind at ridgetops overnight has developed soft slabs to three feet in depth in leeward starting zones. Slides have been reported running on faceted snow on sun crusts on easterly aspects and surface hoar on more northerly aspects. Similar events, but of larger size, should be expected today with a chance of natural activity as temperatures rise. At low elevations the hazard is LOW. Be aware of terrain traps and debris started in slides from higher elevations.

A major winter storm will move into western Wyoming this evening. Periods of heavy snowfall will develop around midnight and continue into Monday and Monday evening. Snowfall amounts could be 12 to 18 inches by Monday night. Winds will be southwesterly at 25 to 30 mph with gusts in the 40s. Temperatures will rise to near thirty degrees during the day. The Greys River area will see slightly less snow and the Togwotee Pass area will receive about half the Teton totals.AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TETON, TOGWOTEE PASS / CONTINENTAL DIVIDE AND GREYS RIVER / SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREAS:The general avalanche hazard Sunday turned out to be more in the Moderate range than CONSIDERABLE as stated due to the lack of slab development. The forecasted snow and significantly warmer temperatures Monday will provide a better opportunity for slab development and the weak "warm over cold" snow layering is a good factor for slope failure. Continuous heavy snowfall through Sunday night into Monday could push the hazard to CONSIDERABLE by morning and rise during the day. Backcountry users are advised to consult area specific forecasts issued every morning as new information may become available and unexpected weather can change conditions.