Tetons

The General Avalanche Hazard at Upper elevations is CONSIDERABLE. Yesterday several large slides three to six feet in depth were triggered by, and caught skiers: The backside (south aspect) of Cody Bowl at 10,500 feet, the Pyramid above Fish Creek (remote trigger), Peak 10,696 in Grand Teton Park and others. Common elements in all the slides were: south to southeast aspects, near or above treeline, large slidepaths prone to heavy wind deposition. The single most important element was likely the rapid 30 degree warming that occured during the day. The warming will continue today and similar events are likely on a wider variety of aspects and elevations and may also be triggered by melting snow falling onto slopes from trees or cliffs. At Mid elevations the Hazard is MODERATE. Slabs to two feet in depth exist in steep areas but may require larger triggers like multiple people on a slope. At Low elevations the hazard is LOW as avalanches are unlikely.

Clouds are to increase during the day as the high pressure moves east of the area. High temperatures are expected to reach the mid twenties and winds are to increase to 30-40 miles per hour out of the Southwest. The avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE. Surface slabs have gained strength over the last few days. This does not mean that they are completely stable, just that they will require triggers and be harder to initiate. Larger triggers such as snowmobilers, groups of skiers, or simply hitting a particularly weak spot in the slab can still result in avalanches that could involve deeper layers of snow to depths of five feet.