Tetons

In the morning sensitive soft slabs to over a foot in depth formed during the recent snow will be able to be easily triggered in steep upper elevation avalanche terrain on a variety of aspects. Such slides were very active yesterday and contained enough volume and speed to carry those unsuspecting over cliffs or bury them in debris. At the Mid elevations smaller, isolated pockets of shallow surface slabs could be triggered in steep wind loaded terrain and at Low elevations avalanches are unlikely this morning. In the afternoon strong mid-march direct sunlight and warming temperatures may provide the possibility for wet loose and wet slab avalanche activity on all slopes with a Southerly component. This will be of greatest concern at the upper elevations where although less warming will occur there, the deeper new surface slabs may rapidly weaken.

As moisture is increasing ahead of a large storm system approaching from the Northwest, snow is expected to increase after midnight tonight and continue periodically throughout Friday with 5" expected by Friday evening. Temperatures will warm slightly on Friday with mountain highs in the twenties and moderate winds. AVALANCHE HAZARD FORECAST FOR THE TETON, TOGWOTEE PASS, AND SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREAS:The General Avalanche Hazard in the Tetons will remain MODERATE at Upper elevations and could increase to MODERATE at the mid elevations, depending on the amount of snow recieved there. Soft surface slabs that will be increasing in depth with the expected new snowfall could be triggered in steep avalanche terrain. At low elevations the hazard will likely remain LOW with not much new snow and no warming expected.Backcountry users are advised to consult area specific forecasts issued every morning as new information may become available and unexpected weather can change conditions.