Tetons

At the mid and upper elevations unstable surface slabs up to two feet in depth have been formed by strong winds. These slabs lie upon excellant sliding surfaces and are likely to be easily triggered by humans and could release spontaneously. The combination of new snow, very strong winds, warming temperatures and good sliding surfaces have created DANGEROUS conditions. Good route finding and terrain evaluation skills are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain today. At the lower elevations isolated pockets of slab up to one foot in depth could be triggered in very steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones.

Skies are expected to clear overnight and be partly cloudy tomorrow. Mountain temperatures will fall to near zero tonight and rise into the teens tomorrow. Winds are expected to veer to the north and decrease to around 15 MPH. Ski Patrol workers are scheduled to fire explosives in the Cirque and Headwall areas of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort on Tuesday. AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TETON, TOGWOTEE PASS/CONTINENTAL DIVIDE AND GREYS RIVER/SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREASThe general avalanche hazard for Tuesday is expected to be MODERATE above 7,500 feet and LOW below 7,500 feet. Decreasing winds, cooler temperatures and settlement of the new snow will significantly decrease the potential for natural avalanche activity, however unstable soft slabs up to two feet in depth will be easily triggered by backcountry users and present a very significant hazard. The instability observed today is likely to persist and awaits human triggers. Use caution and avoid steep wind loaded avalanche prone slopes, cliff areas and terrain traps.