Tetons

The snow has just begun, however during the night strong southwest winds have been drifting the small amounts of available light density that fell during the past several days. With heavy snowfall and strong winds in the forecast the hazard will rapidly increase. Increasing temperatures will create unstable conditions. Blowing snow will rapidly form new slabs upon slick old snow surfaces. Small natural slab avalanches are likely to occur in cliff areas and steep avalanche starting zones. As the day progresses these events will become more widespread and get larger. New slab depths may exceed two feet during the afternoon and in some areas could step down into old snow layers. Expert terrain analysis skills and conservative decisions are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain today.

A long fetch of moisture extends into the Central Pacific and is being directed into the region by a strong west-southwest flow. Periods of moderate to heavy snowfall will continue overnight and through the day on Thursday. Accumulations of 5 to 10 inches are expected overnight with another 5 to 10 inches by sunset. Southwest winds will continue at 40 miles per hour with gusts to near 65 miles per hour. Temperatures will rise into the upper 20s. Strong winds, intense snowfall and slick old snow surfaces will combine to create dangerous avalanche conditions. Natural avalanche are likely and human triggered avalanches are very likely. Medium sized avalanches with slabs depths to three feet are anticipated. These avalanches could run into lower elevation run-out zones. The general avalanche hazard is expected to HIGH. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.