Tetons

The General Avalanche Hazard has risen to CONSIDERABLE at the Mid and Upper elevations and remains LOW at the Lower elevations. Eight to ten inches of light density snow with accompanying strong Westerly and Southwesterly winds have created sensitive surface slabs up to 18 inches in depth on leeward starting zones near ridge crests. These new slabs are poorly bonded to suncrusts and firm wind pack. In addition to the possibility of carrying skiers or riders into terrain traps or over cliff bands, these surface slabs could trigger deeper hard slabs with severe consequences.

Increasing clouds are expected Sunday night in front of the next Pacific system to move through the area. This system should arrive late Christmas morning and bring another 4 to 6 inches of new snow. Overnight lows in the mountains should remain in the upper single digits before rising into the mid 20s on Christmas day. Westerly winds should increase into the 20s during the passage of this disturbance.The General Avalanche Hazard is expected to be MODERATE on Christmas day. Six to eighteen inches of drifted loose snow and very soft slabs lie upon slick suncrusts and firm wind pack. In addition to the possibility of sweeping skiers or riders into terrain traps or over cliff bands, these surface slabs and sluffs still have the potential of triggering deeper hard slabs with severe consequences.