Tetons

At the mid and upper elevations dense snow and strong west to northwest winds ending Tuesday created dense surface slabs up to three feet in depth. The slabs lie upon weak, lighter density snow and hard, old snow surfaces. Settlement and cooler temperatures may make triggering slides more likely by the second or later person on a slope or more than one person at a time on a slope. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.

A strong winter storm will bring snowfall to the region beginning Thursday night. By Friday afternoon 5 to 8 inches of new snow is expected in the Tetons with slightly less in the Southwest Trails/Greys River and the Togwotee Pass areas. Temperatures will remain in the twenties rising little during the day. Winds will continue strong with 40 mile per hour averages overnight slowing to 30 mile per hour averages during the day Friday.The general avalanche hazard above an elevation of 8,000 feet is expected to be MODERATE Friday. Dense slabs to 30 inches in depth could be triggered on steep, lee slopes. The second or later person on a slope may be necessary to initiate a slide in avalanche-prone terrain. New pockets of stiff wind-slab will be building on steep lee slopes near ridgetops and in higher, cross loading drainages. Smaller slides may have the potential to pull out deeper slabs. Avalanches are not likely at the lower elevations where the general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW.