Tetons

Continued snow and winds over the past several days have formed soft surface slabs to 3 feet in depth at Mid and Upper elevations. Skier triggered slides have occurred on steep southeast to southwest facing slopes. Yesterday skiers released a large slide on Mt. Taylor, west of Teton Pass.(no injuries) The potential remains for these slides to step down to deeper layers. A huge, 10 foot deep slide released naturally on the the south slope of Mt. Hunt in Grand Teton National Park yesterday afternoon after a period of steady sunshine. Pockets of hard slab up to 3 feet in depth that sit on a base of weak, faceted snow could be triggered at the lower elevations in steep, wind-loaded starting zones.

A winter storm warning is in affect for the Teton and Salt River ranges from 11 PM tonight through 5 PM Thursday. One to two feet of snow is expected to fall during this time. Strong west winds averaging 30-45 mph with higher gusts will bring white out conditions. Mountain temperatures are to stay near zero through the night before rising into the mid teens during the day. The avalanche hazard is expected to increase as this powerful storm brings snow, wind, and increasing temperatures. The hazard is expected to increase to High in the Teton and Greys River/Southwest Trails areas and to Considerable in the Togwotee Pass/Continental Divide area.