Tetons

Areas of unstable snow exist at the mid and upper elevations. Dense slabs up to two feet in depth formed by southwest winds lie upon slick rain crust and weak layers of faceted snow. These slabs could be triggered by a skier or rider. The consequences of triggering one of these slabs are especially severe in rocky areas, near cliffs and above terrain traps. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.

The next storm system will move into the region. Snow flurries will begin tonight but the more significant snowfall will develop after midnight and especially during the day on Friday. A cold front will pass over the region during the late morning hours. Several hours of very heavy snow are possible in association with this frontal passage. Strong southwest winds will cause periods of blowing and drifting snow across much of the area including valley locations. Most mountain locations can expect to receive 5 to 10 inches of new snow by Friday evening. Very cold air will move into the area behind this cold front.Strong winds and new snow will load a snowpack that has buried weak layers lying upon excellent sliding surfaces. The general avalanche hazard is likely to rapidly increase to CONSIDERABLE as the day progresses. If significant snowfall occurs slab avalanches up to three feet deep could be triggered by humans or release naturally on steep slopes that are being rapidly loaded by wind driven snow.