Tetons

Heavy snowfall rates have accumulated two feet of snow or more in the Tetons. The snowfall ended Sunday afternoon on the east side of the Tetons but continues on the west side. At the high and mid elevations backcountry travelers could easily trigger very sensitive soft slabs to three feet in depth on steep slopes. Periods of sunshine will result in loose sloughs that could rapidly become dangerous in size on sunlit aspects. Cautious route-finding and conservative decision making will be essential for safe travel today. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.

An increasing westerly flow will bring increasing snowfall to the region by Tuesday afternoon. Temperatures will climb from morning lows near five degrees to the upper teens. Ridge top winds will be southwesterly at 25 miles per hour in the morning veering to westerly and increasing to 35 miles per hour by afternoon. In the Tetons the avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate but will increase with strengthening winds then snow during the day. Soft slabs to three feet in depth rest on steep slopes above 8,500 feet. Backcountry travelers could easily trigger dangerous slabs or sloughs that could entrain large amounts of snow. Periods of sunshine could trigger loose sloughs, particularly under cornices or cliff areas.In the Togwotee Pass and Greys River areas the avalanche hazard will be Moderate. Backcountry users could trigger slabs to 12 inches in depth on steep, lee slopes or chutes at higher elevations.