Tetons

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE at mid and upper elevations and LOW at the Low elevations today. Slabs to two feet at the low elevations increasing to four in depth at the high elevations lie on a variety on conditions including crusts and faceted snow. At the mid and upper elevations pockets of these slabs could be triggered today on very steep wind loaded slopes and will be most sensitive in rocky and cliff areas. The slabs may release after the slope has been skied several times when the right trigger point is touched. At low elevations isolated pockets may be triggered on the steepest wind loaded slopes.

The artic airmass will remain entrenched over the area. Strong temperature inversions will create areas of dense morning valley fog beneath clear skies. Temperatures will rise into the mid 20's at the higher elevations. AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TETON AND THE TOGWOTEE PASS/CONTINENTAL DIVIDE AREASThe general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at mid and upper elavations (10,500 to 7,500 feet) on Thursday. Backcountry users could trigger slabs up to several feet deep especially in steep north facing chutes & couloirs and on steep rocky faces with a shallower snowpack. Ski or snowmachine tracks are not a good indicator of slope stability as it may take multiple runs before a trigger spot is hit and a slope fails. At the lower elevations (below 7,500 feet) avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR GREYS RIVER/SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREA:A lack of data from our remote stations and a lack of field presence and observations has limited our knowledge of conditions, however we believe that skiers, snowmachiners and snowboarders have the potential to trigger slab avalanches up to several feet deep on steep avalanche prone slopes. Backcountry users are advised to consult area specific forecasts issued every morning as conditions and resultant hazard can sometimes change overnight due to unexpected weather developments.