Tetons

The Wednesday night/Thursday morning storm brought 25 inches of new snow with over 2 inches of moisture to the Raymer snow study plot at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Below 7,000 feet heavy rain Wednesday night changed to snow Thursday morning. Strong winds formed new soft surface slabs up to 40 inches deep at the mid and upper elevations. These slabs released naturally and were triggered on approach by skiers. Cooler temperatures and settlement have likely decreased the sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers, however it is likely that these slabs can still be triggered on steep slopes by a single skier with severe consequences.

Steady snow will continue to increase this evening and continue overnight with 5 to 8 inches of new snow expected through Saturday morning. Snowfall is expected to become intermittant and snowfall rates lower for a short time late Saturday morning through early Saturday afternoon. Another round of heavier snow moves into the area late Saturday afternoon and continues through Sunday morning bringing an additional 5 to 8 inches of snow by noon Sunday. Temperatures will steadily increase overnight and through the day tomorrow. Southwest winds will increase overnight to around 30 MPH with higher gust Saturday morning. AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TETON, TOGWOTEE PASS/CONTINENTAL DIVIDE AND GREYS RIVER/SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREASThe general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE and on the increase as new unstable surface slabs form and add additional loads to existing slabs. Deep dangerous slab avalanches could be skier or snowmachine triggered or release spontaneously on steep wind loaded aspects. Rain and warm valley temperatures could cause wet loose slides on steep snow covered lower elevation slopes. Backcountry users are advised to consult area specific forecasts issued every morning as new information may become available and unexpected weather can change conditions.