Tetons

At the mid and upper elevations southwest winds will form pockets of new soft slab up to a foot deep on leeward aspects. These surface slabs could be triggered by humans who venture into steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones and cliff areas. At the lower elevations light rain and above freezing temperatures have created unstable conditions. The snowpack is unconsolidated and wet. Wet slides are possible on steep snow covered slopes and could impact roadways. Steep banks, road cuts and active avalanche paths should be avoided. A sustained period of heavy rain could further elevate the hazard and spontaneously release wet slides.

The southwest flow will continue to bring light snow and rain to the region. Skies will remain cloudy with light snow in the mountains and rain showers in the valleys. New snow accumulations of one to three are expected at the higher elevations on Thursday. Temperatures will continue to be mild with highs 20s and 30s in the mountains and in the 40s in the valleys. Winds will be southwest at 20 to 30 with gusts to 40 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE. At the lower elevations temperatures will remain above freezing and rain showers are expected. Wet slides are possible on steep snow covered slopes. At the highest elevations pockets of soft surface slab up to a foot deep will be sensitive to human triggers in steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones and cliff areas. In some areas with a shallow snowpack underlain by depth hoar humans may have the potential to trigger slab avalanches up to three feet in depth in steep active avalanche paths.