Tetons

Hard surface slabs to 12 inches in depth may be easily triggered in steeper areas today on a variety of aspects. The hard slabs knocked over several patrollers doing avalanche control work at the Jackson Hole resort yesterday. In the backcountry yesterday skiers triggered several slides two to six feet deep. One skier was hit by debris, from a skier initiated slide above him in Triple Direct, south of Teton Pass. He was injured and rescued. Skiers initiated slides as large as four feet deep south of the Jackson Hole Resort and in Granite Canyon to the north, slides ran as much as 2000 feet. No injuries were reported in those areas but much gear was lost. The possibility of triggering large slides continues today although bigger triggers may be necessary like the second or later person on a slope. At low elevations dense, rain soaked snow should remain frozen and present less hazard.

Another storm warning has been issued for the area for Monday night into Tuesday with an additional foot of snow possible at the upper elevations. Overnight winds are to increase to 20 to 30 mph from the Southwest and overnight mountain temperatures in the upper teens are expected.AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TETON, TOGWOTEE PASS/CONTINENTAL DIVIDE AND GREYS RIVER/SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREASThe general avalanche danger will raise to HIGH at the mid and upper elevations on Tuesday if the expected snowfall and accompanying increased winds materialize. This increased load is expected to raise the hazard on a variety of aspects and provide the likelyhood of natural avalanche activity that may be large in size. If the significant snowfall and strong winds are not recieved the hazard will remain CONSIDERABLE with hard slab avalanches being possible but most likely requiring a trigger to initiate. Backcountry users are advised to consult area specific forecasts issued every morning as new information may become available and unexpected weather can change conditions.