Tetons

At the upper elevations, skiers and riders have the potential to trigger wind slabs formed earlier in the week. These slabs are most likely to be found in steep unsupported areas above cliffs and in couloirs where a wind drifted pocket could exist lower on the slope and not be apparent from above. Avalanches below 9000 feet are not expected today except for in isolated pockets in very steep terrain. In the Teton area, the triggering of large hard slabs involving the weak snow near the base of the snowpack has become very unlikely and is not currently being considered an avalanche problem.

The next storm cycle has begun and is expected to favor the western and northern portions of our forecast region. Periods of moderate to heavy snowfall will occur in a fast-moving northwest flow. Accumulations of 4 to 8 inches in the mountains and 1 to 3 inches in the valleys are expected by morning. After that steady to moderate snowfall will continue into Friday. On Thursday temperatures will be rising as this snow falls. Westerly winds will also be increasing. Forecast speeds are 20 to 30 with gusts to 40 miles per hour on the higher ridge crest.The avalanche hazard will be increasing at all elevations. During the next 24 hours warmer snow will be accumulating on top of colder snow. Snowfall rates and winds will also be increasing. This scenario is expected to create increasingly unstable conditions on steep slopes. The cold snow that falls at the beginning of this storm cycle is not likely to bond well to slick and firm old snow surfaces. The general avalanche hazard is expected to rise to considerable. Wind slab avalanches are likely to be triggered by humans and may release naturally. New slabs could build to depths of two feet and are likely to become large and dangerous. Evaluate the snowpack and terrain carefully. Expert route selection and conservative terrain decisions will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.