Tetons

Over 30 inches of new snow has fallen at the upper elevations since Monday afternoon. Very strong southwest winds have formed new slabs on leeward aspects. At the mid and upper elevations soft surface slabs two to four in depth could be triggered by skiers or riders on steep avalanche prone slopes. Mostly stable snow exists at the lower elevations where avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets.

Another shortwave in a zonal flow will move through western Wyoming tonight and Saturday. Snowfall will increase tonight and continue into early afternoon with 4 to 9 inches of new snow possible. Temperatures in the mountains will drop into the single digits tonight and rise into the teens on Saturday. West to southwest winds at 30 to 40 miles per hour with higher gusts will accompany this snowfall.The new snow and winds will add depth and volume to existing slabs and increase their sensitivity to human triggers. Skiers and riders who venture into steep avalanche prone slopes could trigger slabs up to four feet in depth. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE above 8,000 feet. If new snowfall amounts approach or exceed the maximum forecast amounts and strong winds persist the hazard could increase to CONSIDERABLE. Below 8,000 the snowpack is mostly stable and avalanches will be unlikely except in isolated pockets.