Tetons

On lee slopes at upper elevations pockets of slab 12 to 30 inches in depth exist. These slabs rest on weak, faceted snow and crusts and could be human triggered on steep northerly aspects, in steep couloirs, beneath cornices and in cliff areas. At the mid elevations isolated pockets of wind slab six to 18 inches in depth exist and may pose a threat on steep banks and road cuts.

Moderate to heavy snowfall will occur Thursday night through Friday with 10 to 15 inches of accumulation expected in the Tetons and 7 - 10 inches in the Greys River and Togwotee Pass areas. Winds will be southwesterly at 30 miles per hour Thursday night then westerly at 10 to 15 on Friday. Temperatures at 9,500 feet will rise from the upper teens in the morning to the low 20s Friday. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE at upper elevations. New soft surface slabs to 18 inches in depth could be easily triggered by humans on lee slopes. Below the new snow on northerly aspects pockets of stiff wind slab 15 to 30 inches deep exist. Avalanches have the potential to step down to, or initiate with, this deeper snow that rests on weak, faceted snow and hard crusts. At mid elevations the hazard will be MODERATE. Steep, lee slopes will have increasing hazard as the new snow adds to slabs resting on weak faceted snow over crusts, particularly in shaded areas. The general avalanche hazard below an elevation of 7,500 feet is expected to be LOW but rapidly increasing snow and warm temperatures could present the potential for human triggered slides in very steep areas like ravines or road cuts.