Tetons

Strong winds and moderate snowfall have developed sensitive surface slabs to two feet in depth that could be triggered today by backcountry users at high and mid elevations. Yesterday skiers triggered slides to two feet in depth on Glory Bowl and Twin Slides on Mount Glory. WYDOT reported more slides in these paths from avalanche mitigation work early this morning. Fragile slabs were building rapidly during the day at Targhee and Jackson Hole Resorts. Most of the slides were on avalanche prone terrain with good wind loading and running on sun crusts or density breaks in the newer snow. Be alert to sun breaks that could release loose sloughs or make slabs more sensitive. At low elevations the snowpack is mostly stable.

Mostly clear skies are expected. Temperatures will not be as cold tonight and will be slightly warmer on Thursday. Winds will be light and variable. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at the higher elevations (9,000 to 10,500 feet) and LOW below an elevation of 9,000 feet. At the higher elevations pockets of dense wind slab one to two feet in depth could be triggered by humans who venture onto steep avalanche prone slopes and into cliff areas. Isolated pockets of surface slab could be human triggered in the same terrain features at the mid elevations (9,000 to 7,500 feet). Abundant sunshine will increase the sensitivity of these surface slabs to human triggers and may cause point slides and sunballing on steep sunlit aspects. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations (below 7,500 feet).