Tetons

The General Avalanche Hazard is CONSDIERABLE at the Mid and Upper elevations. Strong Southwest to Northwest winds with gusts to 100 mph blew from Saturday into Monday creating a variety of conditions. Slabs to two feet in depth rest on suncrusts and buried surface hoar and could be triggered by backcountry travelers. Reported slides have been on areas well below ridgecrests in cross loaded gullies, under cliffbands and on lee slopes where the winds slowed enough to release drifting snow. Slides have stepped down to deeper layers. At the Lower elevations the Hazard is MODERATE as winds were unusually strong and slabs could be released in steep areas like gullies or road cuts. Warm temperatures at low elevations will increase the hazard through the day. With the first fair weather after the storm use good route finding skills and carry rescue gear if venturing into avalanche terrain.

Overcast skies and strong southwest winds will precede a large storm system that will bring snow to the region by Wednesday night. Temperatures will be cooler with highs in the low twenties.The General Avalanche Hazard is expected to be MODERATE on Wednesday. Time, settlement and warm temperatures have helped to stabilize the snow pack but surface hoar and light density snow sit under the newer snow at depths of 10 to 25 inches and slides could be released in steep, lee areas. Larger triggers like two or more people at a time on a slope or making just the right ski cut could initiate an avalanche. Deeper, dangerous hard slabs continue to be of concern anywhere the snowpack is shallower or very steep.