Tetons

The general avalanche hazard remains MODERATE today above 9000 feet. Surface slabs up to two feet in depth formed by strong Northwest to North winds Monday night could still be triggered by backcountry users today on very steep wind loaded slopes. Deeper instabilities still lurk, and large, dangerous slab avalanches could be initiated by big triggers such as surface slabs, cornice drops, large groups, and snowmachines. If cloud cover does not increase as forecasted, surface slabs and cornice drops will be more likely as the sun warms and softens the snow surface. Avalanches at low elevations are not expected.

An upper level trough moving east over the area is expected to bring 8 to 10 inches of new snow to the western mountains by sunset on Friday. Temperatures are expected to drop to near 10 degrees tonight and rise into the upper teens during the day on the summits and to near 30 degrees in the valleys. Ridgetop winds are forecasted be southwestly to westerly at 19 to 24 MPH with higher gusts.AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TETON, TOGWOTEE PASS / CONTINENTAL DIVIDE AND GREYS RIVER / SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREAS:The avalanche danger is expected to be MODERATE as new soft slabs form on leeward aspects. Good sliding surfaces comprised of suncrust and windpack at the upper elevations and suncrust and surface hoar at the mid and lower elevations exist. Human triggred avalanches are possible and are expected to increase in depth and volume as the day progresses. Some potential exists in the Togwotee and Greys River areas for larger deep slabs to be triggered especially by snowmachines. Backcountry users are advised to consult area specific forecasts issued every morning as new information may become available and unexpected weather can change conditions.