Tetons

An Avalanche Warning has been issued for the area through 11pm tonight. At the mid and high elevations widespread areas of unstable snow exist and naturally triggered large destructive avalanches are certain. Continued snowfall and strong winds throughout the day will increase the size and sensitivity of these avalanches with slabs three to six feet in depth expected later in the day. Backcountry Travel Should Be Avoided.

The WINTER STORM WARNING issued by the National Weather Service has been extended to 5 AM on Friday.Heavy snowfall will continue well into the evening as the storm is moving slower than expected. Snowfall intensity is expected to begin to decrease after 9 PM. However light to moderate snowfall is forecast to persist into mid day on Friday. Some locations in the Teton and Salt River Ranges are likely to have storm snowfall accumulations near three feet. Most other areas are generally expected to receive a total of one to two feet of new snow from this storm system.Mountain temperatures are expected to drop back into the single digits. Upper elevation winds will back towards the northwest. Winds speeds of 15 to 20 miles per hour are likely along the highest ridge crest.The AVALANCHE WARNING issued by the Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Center has been extended to 11 PM on Friday for the areas that include the Teton, Snake River, Salt River and Wyoming Ranges. In the Teton and Greys River/Southwest Trails areas the general avalanche hazard is expected to be EXTREME on Friday. Large dangerous avalanches are certain to be sensitive to human triggers. Natural releases are likely. All avalanche terrain should be avoided. The general avalanche hazard in the Continental Divide/Togwotee Pass area is expected to be CONSIDERABLE. In this area slab avalanches up to three feet in depth could be human triggered on steep slopes with new deposits of wind drifted snow.