Tetons

Light density snow and graupel were covered by denser snow over the weekend. Continuous strong, westerly winds developed easily triggered slabs over the weaker snow to a foot in depth. Yesterday skiers were remotely triggering these slabs in the warm part of the day in Stewart's Draw at 9600 feet in Grand Teton Park. Similar events should be expected today. The possibility remains for slides to step down to depths of three feet in cliff areas, near cornices and on the steep walls of basins. Be alert to areas with locally deep, drifted snow. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.

A Pacific system with strong winds will bring light snowfall to the mountains Monday night then snowfall will increase in intensity during the day Tuesday. Rain is expected at lower elevations that will cool to snow by evening. Southwest winds at ridge top levels will reach 35 to 40 mile per hour averages during the day with stronger gusts. The general avalanche hazard will be Moderate Tuesday morning and rise rapidly with forecasted winds and snowfall. New snow and strong winds will develop easily triggered surface slabs on lee slopes and next to cross-loaded ridges. Backcountry travelers must be alert to changing conditions and rapidly building slabs. Significant rain could develop the chance of wet-loose slides at low elevations where temperatures have been unseasonably warm.