Tetons

At upper elevations light density snow and winds over the weekend created surface slabs to two feet in depth in steep areas near ridgetops and on lower, cross-loaded slopes, particularly in areas with good snow fetches. Monday at the Jackson Hole Resort several slides were released in previously uncontrolled areas above 9000 feet. The slides released on approach or with small explosives and ran on weak, faceted snow over slick crusts. Slides may be more difficult to release today and the second or later person on a slope may be the trigger. At mid elevations smaller, more isolated slabs could be started. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.

A dry southwesterly flow will bring mostly cloudy skies and a few isolated snow showers. Temperatures will be near zero Thursday morning and rise into the lower teens in the afternoon. Summit winds will be southwesterly at 10 to 20 miles per hour. The general avalanche hazard at the mid and upper elevations (7,500 to 10,500 feet) is MODERATE. Areas of unstable snow exist. In some steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones dense surface slabs up to two feet in depth lie upon good sliding surfaces and could be human triggered. At the lower elevations (below 7,500 feet) the general avalanche hazard is LOW and avalanches are unlikely.