Strong west winds and new snow have combined to increase the avalanche hazard. Dangerous condition exist on steep slopes. Excellent terrain evaluation skills and a cautious approach to steep terrain is essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain today.
Persistent unstable slabs up to three feet in depth lie upon weak, faceted snow and hard snow surfaces which formed during the January dry period. The new snow and winds have increased the load on these slabs and the sensitivity of these slabs. These slabs could be triggered by backcountry travelers in steep, avalanche prone terrain.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A moist northwest flow will continue to bring periods of snow and strong winds to the area. Four to eight inches of new snow are possible overnight. Light snowfall is likely to continue in the mountains on Thursday with an additional three inches of accumulation possible. Winds will be westerly overnight at 25 to 35 miles per hour and will veer to the northwest and decrease to 18 miles per hour in the morning. Temperatures will be in the single digits and the teens in the mountains and in the teens and 20s in the valleys.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE at the higher elevations of the Teton and the Southwest Trails/Greys River areas and MODERATE in the Continental Divide/Togwotee Pass area and the mid elevations of the Teton area and the lower elevations of the Southwest Trails/Greys River areas. Persistent slabs one to four feet in depth could be human triggered on steep slopes and have potential to release naturally in some areas.
