The general avalanche hazard continues to increase, especially above an elevation of 8,000 feet. Air temperatures this morning at 10,500 feet are 16 degrees warmer than they were 24 hours ago. Warming temperatures, very strong winds and continued snowfall have created dangerous avalanche conditions at the higher elevations. Large slab avalanches could be easily triggered by humans. Natural releases are possible. Evaluate the snowpack carefully and make conservative terrain choices. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.
Dense wind slabs formed by west to southwest winds could be triggered by the weight of a single person. These slabs could be up to three feet deep. These slabs could release naturally and have potential to run large distances.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The relentless succession of storm cycles that began in early October continues. This cycle started cold and is getting warmer. Snow fall increased this afternoon and will continue through the night and into the morning before decreasing some in the afternoon. New snow accumulations will generally range from 5 to 10 inches with locally higher amounts in the Teton Range. Winds will be southwesterly at 25 to 35 with gusts 50 miles per hour. Temperatures will rise into the mid-20s at 10,000 feet and into the mid-30s in the valleys.Increasing temperatures, strong winds and additional snowfall will create dangerous avalanche conditions. Large slab avalanches are expected. Unstable slopes could release naturally. The general avalanche hazard will increase to CONSIDRABLE at the mid and upper elevations. Areas that have been most favored by the recent snowfall could rise to HIGH. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended during periods of high hazard. So far only small amounts of new snow have accumulated at the lower elevations and therefor the hazard there has been LOW.
