Tetons

The snowpack remains unstable and dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Weak snow layers at the base of the snowpack that were covered by last week's significant snowfall event could fail to the presence of a single person and may release remotely. Yesterday, widespread collapse was reported and many avalanches were triggered during the first round of mitigation efforts at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Two days ago a large skier triggered slide was initiated on Teton Pass and a snowmobiler was fully buried on Togwotee Pass. He was uncovered by his party without injury. Caution is advised in route selection as avalanches can be triggered from below a slope as well as above. In terrain where the recent snow lies directly upon the ground, avalanches are not expected today.

A system passing through Utah may bring an inch or so of snow to the Southwest Trails area tomorrow. In the Teton and Togwotee Pass areas, mostly cloudy skies and dry conditions are expected. Temperatures are to be similar to todays with lows in the teens followed by highs in the mid-twenties at higher elevations and the low thirties at lower elevations. Winds are to vary from the southwest to the northwest with ten to fifteen mile per hour averages. The general avalanche hazard will continue to be CONSIDERABLE above 8500 feet and LOW below that elevation. In any higher terrain underlain by old snow, an unstable snowpack exists and skiers and riders have the potential to trigger slab avalanches in steep avalanche terrain. The poor structure provides the possibility for slabs to release remotely from above or below a slope. They could also be large or small and could release in treed areas. Below 8500 or in any terrain where the recent snow lies directly on the ground, avalanches are unlikely except for in very steep, smooth terrain.