Tetons

Four to five feet or more of new snow since Thursday have created dangerous avalanche conditions at Upper and Mid elevations. Human triggered avalanches with slab depths of 1 to 6 feet in depth are likely. Sunshine on slopes will make them more sensitive to triggers. Yesterday a snowmobiler was buried except one boot near Ski Lake. He was recovered unhurt by companions. He triggered the large slide on a north facing aspect from low on the slope. During the heat of the sunny day a skier triggered a major avalanche on the south side of Taylor Peak with crown depths of six feet or more. The slide ran 2,600 verical feet and took out previous tracks and part of the uphill track, crossed Coal Creek and ran up the opposite slope. This activity should have been expected by the participants. At low elevations slabs to 2 feet in depth could be triggered in very steep areas such as ravines or near cliff areas. Cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making are essential for safe travel today and would have prevented yesterday's events.

Snow showers are expected overnight before the next system brings snow to the area in the early morning. This snow is to continue into Thursday evening and could potentially be heavy at times. Highs in the upper twenties and strong southwest winds are to accompany this storm.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE in the morning. Large dangerous slab avalanches with depths to six feet will be susceptible to human triggers and may release naturally as wind and new snow continue to stress the snowpack’s limits. This hazard will increase during the day and may become HIGH in the afternoon depending on the amount of new snow and wind received. Tracks are no indication of stability and slopes may fail after many people have risked exposure. Fundamental and cautious decision making is essential while travelling in the backcountry at this time. All avalanche terrain should be considered suspect and respect should be given to the severe consequences associated with the fragile, deep slab instabilities.