The avalanche hazard will be increasing today. An Avalanche Warning is in effect and travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Strong winds, new snow and increasing temperatures will combine to create dangerous avalanche conditions. Natural avalanche activity is likely and large destructive avalanches are possible.
Strong west-southwest winds will create dense surface slabs. These slabs could have depths from one to three feet and could be human triggered or release naturally.
On steep, northerly aspects above 9,000 feet dense hard slab avalanches could release naturally or be triggered by humans to the ground surface with crown depths to five feet.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning. A fetch of deep moisture in a north-northwest flow will bring prolonged periods of heavy to moderate snowfall with strong winds to the region. This flow will favor the Teton Range but will also bring substantial snowfall to the other mountain ranges in Western Wyoming. Snowfall totals of 15 to 30 inches are likely in the mountains by Tuesday morning. Snowfall totals in the valley could exceed 12 inches. Winds will be westerly at speeds of 35 to 40 with gusts to 50 to 55 miles per hour on the peaks and gusts to 40 miles per hour in the valleys. Temperatures will rise into the upper 20s in the mountains and into the low 30s in the valleys.The Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Center has issued an Avalanche Warning for the mountainous areas of Northwest Wyoming. Heavy snowfall and strong winds will create dangerous avalanche conditions. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be HIGH. Natural avalanche activity is likely and may become widespread. Large, destructive avalanches could run full path. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
