Tetons

The recent storm brought fifteen to eighteen inches of snow to the upper elevations where strong southwest to west winds averaged 29 mph with gusts to 58. Wind slabs have formed in steep leeward terrain above 8000 feet. The potential exists for these slabs to be human triggered today. Do not travel in areas where wind loading is suspected. In an effort to minimize the potential for backcountry rescue, evacuation, or the need for medical treatment, make very conservative terrain choices and avoid all steep avalanche paths at this time. Avalanche activity is not expected below 8000 feet except for small surface wet slides during prolonged periods of sunshine. Grand Teton National Park is closed. Practice recommended protocols involving the COVID-19 pandemic such as social distancing at access points.

Some light snowfall is likely tonight and is expected to favor the southern portion of our forecast region. On Thursday cloud cover will be diminishing. Snow showers are expected and it will be cold. Temperatures will drop into the single digits and teens overnight and rise into the low 20’s in the mountains and into the upper 20’s and low 30’s in the valleys. Winds will westerly at 10 to 20 miles per hour. Stronger gusts are possible in the Salt River and Wyoming Ranges.These are somber times. Our sincere condolences are extended to all involved in today’s avalanche accident. There have been three other incidents of skiers getting caught by avalanches in the past two days. Humans who venture into steep avalanche prone slopes at the upper elevations could trigger small to large slab avalanches. These slabs are expected to slowly become less sensitive to human triggers as they settle and gain strength. These dense slabs could be up to two feet deep. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be moderate above an elevation of 9,000 feet on Thursday and low below that elevation where avalanche hazards may be found in isolated terrain features.