Tetons

At the mid and high elevations the potential for skiers and riders to trigger dangerous hard slabs continues. These slabs will be the most sensitive in very steep terrain at the high elevations where they could have depths to four feet. Supportive snow surfaces will give the false impression of stability however the underlying weaknesses persist and may still be triggered by heavier loads such as snowmobiles or by single skiers or boarders who hit a weak spot on a slope even after many have risked exposure. Shallow soft slabs are expected to develop in the afternoon as very strong winds deposit the falling snow. Avalanches at low elevations are unlikely.

Snowfall rates will diminish overnight with only scattered snow showers expected during the day on Sunday. Westerly ridgetop winds will decrease to 10 to 20 miles per hour by Sunday morning. Daytime highs in the mountains will be in the mid teens.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE on Sunday. Backcountry travelers are likely to trigger newly developed wind slabs one to two feet in depth in steep, wind loaded terrain. Any extended periods of sunshine in the afternoon will make these slides more susceptible to failure. In very steep terrain, the chance continues for skiers and riders to trigger dangerous, dense slabs up to an additional four feet in depth. Larger loads, such as snowmobiles, are more likely to impact the weak layers below these deep slabs. Careful evaluation of the snowpack, strong route finding skills and conservative decision making will all be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain on Sunday.