Tetons

Strong southwesterly winds and over a foot of new snow over the last two days have created new surface slabs up to 30 inches in depth at the mid and upper elevations. These slabs, which rest on firm windpack, could be easily triggered by backcountry travelers in steep, wind loaded avalanche terrain. Larger triggers, such as snowmobilers or surface slides, may be necessary to initiate deeper hard slabs which rest on strong early season crusts up to four feet below the surface. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route finding, and conservative decision making are all essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain today. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.

Snow showers are expected to continue overnight with an additional three to six inches of new snow by Monday morning. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near 10 and are not expected rise much during the day. Ridgetop winds will veer to the southwest at 20 to 30 miles per hour.On Monday, the general avalanche hazard in the Teton area is expected to be CONSIDERABLE at the upper elevations and MODERATE between 9,000 and 7,500 feet. Recently developed soft slabs one to two feet in depth, along with deeper hard slabs to four feet, could be triggered by backcountry travelers venturing into steep, wind loaded avalanche terrain. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE in the Togwotee Pass and Greys River areas above 7,500 feet. Backcountry travelers could trigger soft slabs up to 18 inches in depth in steep, wind loaded avalanche terrain. Larger triggers, such as snowmobilers or surface slides, may be necessary to initiate deeper hard slabs up to three feet deep.