Tetons

Intense snowfall, strong winds and increasing temperatures will combine to increase the hazard to high at the mid and upper elevations and moderate at the lower elevations as the day progresses. Yesterday in the Salt River Range a large natural avalanche and two remotely skier triggered (from a long distance away) slab avalanches were reported. The natural event ran 1,800 feet. All released on northeast aspects from starting zones at an elevation of 9,400 feet. Similar events on a variety of aspects are likely this afternoon and evening in the Tetons and could impact highways. Travel in avalanche terrain in not recommended in the afternoon and evening. The Teton Mountain Lodge in Teton Village will host a benefit apres ski party on Saturday December 3 from 2 to 6 PM. Money raised from an awesome gear raffle will help fund this forecast. Come support this valuable service!!!

Snow will continue to fall over the western mountains tonight and Friday with a total snowfall of 12 to 14 inches forecast for the higher elevations by Friday afternoon. Temperatures will continue to rise but are expected to stay below freezing in a southwesterly flow ahead of an approaching cold front. Winds are expected to increase to from 25 to 40 with gusts to 60 MPH around midnight and veer to the west and slowly diminish to 20 MPH by Friday evening. AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TETON, GREYS RIVER/SOUTHWEST TRAILS AND THE TOGWOTEE PASS/CONTINENTAL DIVIDE AREASThe general avalanche hazard is expected to be HIGH at the mid and upper elevations (7,500 to 10,500 feet) as increasing temperatures, strong winds and new snow form new soft surface slabs on a snowpack with some persistent buried weak layers and good sliding surfaces. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are likely on a variety of aspects. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Below 7,500 feet the general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE with new soft slabs forming on a weak basal layer of faceted snow.