Tetons

The General Avalanche Hazard at the mid and upper elevations is CONSIDERABLE today. Recent snow has been formed into dense surface slabs by strong West-Southwesterly winds. These surface slabs are expected to be easily skier triggered today in steep terrain to depths of two feet and the size and sensitivity will increase throughout the day as continued winds and new snow add to the slab depths. At low elevations pockets of slab could be triggered on steep slopes that have recieved wind loading. Avalanches occurred yesterday at milepost 151(north) at 8pm and in the Snake River Canyon near Red Canyon.

A snow advisory is in affect until noon on Friday, at which time snow should begin to taper off. Mountain temperatures near ten degrees are expected in the early morning hours, followed by highs in twenties on Friday. AVALANCHE HAZARD FORECAST FOR THE TETON AND SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREAS:The General Hazard is expected to remain CONSIDERABLE on Friday and could potentially lower to MODERATE depending on the amount of moisture and winds recieved overnight. Either way, it will be possible for humans to trigger surface slabs to three feet in depth in steep wind loaded avalanche terrain.FOR THE TOGWOTEE PASS AREA :The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate where pockets of surface slabs to eighteen inches could be triggered on wind loaded slopes.Backcountry users are advised to consult area specific forecasts issued every morning as new information may become available and unexpected weather can change conditions.