Tetons

The general avalanche hazard at mid and upper elevations is CONSIDERABLE. Strong winds are moving three to five inches of new snow and over a foot of light, available snow onto lee slopes near ridgecrests creating sensitive slabs to four feet in depth. Easily triggered slides to three feet in depth from Tuesday's storm rest on a variety of aspects. Many slides triggered yesterday rapidly grew to dangerous size. The possibility of slides stepping down to deeper layers remains, particularly in little travelled areas. At low elevations the general avalanche hazard is MODERATE. Deep pockets of soft slabs may be triggered by backcountry travellers in steep areas. With the volume seen in slides yesterday be very wary of terrain traps like ravines or trees where debris will rapidly pile very deep.

A respite from significant snowfall should last through Friday as high pressure builds into the area. There is potential for morning valley fog. A thermal inversion will enable mountain temperatures to rise into the upper 20's. Ridgetop winds will be north to northwesterly at 5 to 15 MPH. AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TETON, TOGWOTEE PASS/CONTINENTAL DIVIDE AND GREYS RIVER/SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREASThe general avalanche danger is expected to remain CONSIDERABLE. Soft surface slabs up to several feet deep are likely to be easily triggered by a single skier on steep wind loaded aspects. The potential for very large dangerous slabs to be human triggered and run long distances persist. Sunshine and warm temperatures will increase the sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers as the day progresses and could trigger sizable soft slabs, loose snow sluffs and sunballs and pinwheels on steep sunlit aspects. Backcountry users are advised to consult area specific forecasts issued every morning as new information may become available and unexpected weather can change conditions.