Tetons

Yesterday human triggered and natural avalanches were reported at the mid and upper elevations. One slide triggered by a snowboarder on Twin Slides ran to the highway. A soft slab estimated to be 14 inches deep released spontaneously in the upper portion of the Headwall at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (which was closed). Decreasing winds, cooler temperatures and settlement of the new snow has significantly decreased the potential for natural avalanche activity, however unstable soft slabs up to two feet in depth could be easily triggered by backcountry users today and present a significant hazard. Use caution and avoid steep wind loaded avalanche prone slopes, cliff areas and terrain traps. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations where snow depths are quite shallow. Backcountry users are cautioned that ski patrol workers will be test firing an avalauncher in the Cirque and Headwall areas of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort today.

A weak disturbance moving in from the northwest should allow for increasing cloud cover tonight especially in the northwest mountains where some light snow or flurries could develop after midnight and continue off and on through Wednesday and perhaps into Wednesday night. Valley locations will likely just see some mid level clouds. AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TETON, TOGWOTEE PASS/CONTINENTAL DIVIDE AND GREYS RIVER/SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREASThe general avalanche hazard for Wednesday is expected to remain MODERATE above 8,000 feet. Areas of instability exist. Surface slabs up to two feet in depth formed by southwest to northwest winds could be human triggered on steep wind loaded aspects. The sensitivity of these slabs to humans triggers is likely to increase as daytime temperatures warm. Use caution and avoid steep wind loaded avalanche prone slopes, cliff areas and terrain traps. Below 8,000 feet the snowpack is shallow and avalanches are unlikely.