Tetons

The General Avalanche Danger at mid and upper elevations is CONSIDERABLE and will increase through the day. Ten inches of new snow has been blown by strong southwest winds forming sensitive slabs to two feet in depth on lee slopes. Winds have been and will continue to blow at all elevations so be aware of potential slides at ridgecrests and cross loaded slopes at lower elevations. Snow will accumulate under steep areas like cliff bands to greater depths. This has been the windiest period since the series of big storms began in late December. Most recent slides reported have been on steep, northeast facing slopes underlain by rock bands. Slides in the new snow will pull out older snow in those areas. At low elevations the snow is moslty stable and the hazard is LOW but will also increase through the day .

A cold front and associated band of snow showers will move over the area tonight and bring more snow to the western Wyoming mountains with higher accumulations expected in the southern areas. The snowfall will slowly diminish during the day on Thursday with several additional inches of accumulation possible. Temperatures will fall overnight and are expected to be in the upper single digits on the summits in the morning and rise into the upper teens by afternoon. Winds will decrease overnight and increase again late Thursday afternoon. AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TETON, TOGWOTEE PASS/CONTINENTAL DIVIDE AND GREYS RIVER/SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREASThe general avalanche danger is expected to be CONSIDERABLE on Thursday. Surface slabs up to two feet in depth are likely to be easily triggered by single skiers in steep wind loaded starting zones. The Strawberry Creek event indicates the potential to trigger DANGERDOUS slabs up to six feet in depth persist. Suspect areas are likely very steep wind loaded slopes and cliff areas that had a shallow faceted snowpack before the end of the year storm cycle began. Snowmachines and groups are most likely to trigger these large dangerous slabs. Backcountry users are advised to consult area specific forecasts issued every morning as new information may become available and unexpected weather can change conditions.