An avalanche warning has been issued by the Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Center until 5 AM Thursday morning. Heavy snowfall and strong winds have created very dangerous avalanche conditions. Large and destructive avalanches are certain in some areas. Avoid all avalanche terrain.
Strong southwest to west winds have formed dense surface slabs on leeward aspects. These slabs lie upon buried snow surfaces that were faceted during several days of bitterly cold temperatures. These slabs are likely to release naturally and could run long distances with depths to five feet.
Very large and destructive deep slab avalanches that could involve the full depth of the snowpack could release naturally today. These slides could run into flat terrain at the lower elevations and impact mature forest.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Heavy snow is likely overnight and into the morning. Steady snow is likely throughout the day. Accumulations of 10 to 20 inches are expected by evening. Temperatures will remain in the teens and 20s. Southwest winds will continue at speeds of 25 to 30 with gusts over fifty miles per hour.Intense snowfall rates and strong winds will create very dangerous avalanche conditions. Large natural avalanches are likely. These conditions will increase the general avalanche hazard to HIGH. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended when the hazard is high.
