Tetons

At the mid and upper elevations dense new snow and strong west to northwest winds have created dangerous conditions with dense surface slabs up to three feet in depth. The slabs lie upon lighter density snow and hard, old snow surfaces. Yesterday avalanche reduction work on the Headwall at the Jackson Hole Resort triggered a significant slide and an avalanche in the Twin Slides path temporarily closed Teton Pass. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious routefinding and conservative decision making are essential. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.

West to southwest winds will increase Wednesday night and Thursday ahead of a strong Pacific trough. Ridgetop winds will be southwesterly with averages of 35 miles per hour with stronger gusts. Temperatures will warm to near 30 degrees with occasional light snow. The general avalanche hazard above an elevation of 8,000 feet is expected to be MODERATE Thursday. Settlement and cool temperatures may make it harder for backcountry users to trigger slabs to three feet in depth. The second or later person on a slope may be necessary to initiate a slide in avalanche-prone terrain. Avalanches are not likely at the lower elevations where the general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW.