Tetons

Yesterdays storm system brought up to 20 inches inches of new snow and strong southwest winds to the region. DANGEROUS dense wind slabs up to four feet in depth lie upon slick old snow surfaces and could by triggered by the weight of a single person. Excellent terrain evaluation skills and conservative decisions regarding terrain selection are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.

A strong system to the south of the area may bring some snow to the Tetons and Togwotee Pass area on Thursday with greater snowfall amounts expected and the Southwest Trails/Greys River area as well as to the Wind River Mountains. Winds are to increase to averages of ten to twenty miles per hour from the west and temperatures are to rise into the mid twenties. On Thursday the general avalanche hazard will be Considerable at the higher elevations. Skiers and riders will be able to easily trigger dense surface slabs to depths of three feet in steep wind loaded terrain, particularly near cliff and rocky areas. At mid elevations, between 7500 and 9000 feet, the hazard will be Moderate where pockets of slab will remain susceptible to human triggers in similar terrain. Below 7500 feet the hazard will be Low.