Tetons

The general avalanche hazard will increase during the day as warming temperatures, new snowfall, and moderate to strong southwesterly to westerly winds continue to build soft slabs. By this afternoon, backcountry travelers could trigger these slabs up to 18 inches deep in steep, wind loaded, mid and upper elevation starting zones. Natural activity will also become possible in the afternoon. Backcountry travelers should avoid heavily drifted slopes and be willing to alter their plans if conditions warrant. At the lower elevations the snowpack is mostly stable and avalanches are unlikely.

Moderate to heavy snowfall is expected to continue through the night with an additional 4 to 8 inches by Monday morning before tapering. Southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds will increase to 35 to 45 miles per hour during the night and continue through midday. Overnight lows will dip into the upper teens and are not expected to significantly increase during the day.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be HIGH in the Tetons and Southwest Trails area. Both human triggered and natural activity will be likely. Soft slab avalanches up to 30 inches in depth, along with loose snow sluffs, also have the potential to entrain significant amounts of snow. TRAVEL IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE in the Togwotee Pass area. Backcountry travelers venturing into steep, wind loaded avalanche terrain could trigger loose snow sluffs and soft slabs up to 18 inches in depth. Natural avalanche activity will also be possible. Cautious route finding skills and conservative decision making will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain on Monday.In areas in the Southwest Trails and Togwotee Pass areas where the snowpack is shallower, some potential persists for larger loads to trigger deeper hard slabs failing close to the base of the snowpack near cliff areas, ridge crests and cornices.