Western Wyoming Avalanche Advisory
Jackson Ranger District, POB 1689, Jackson WY 83001
Issued: Wed January 04, 2006 3:51 PM

SITUATION:
A shortwave moving over the area brought 10 inches of new light density snow to the Southern 
Tetons during the morning hours. Since December 26th the upper mountain study plots at the 
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort have recorded over 80 inches of new snow with over 8 inches of 
moisture. The setteled snow depth (91 inches) at the mid mountain study plot is the second 
deepest snow depth for this date in the past 40 years. Since December 26th, 50 inches of new 
snow has been recorded by remote instrumentation at the Blind Bull study plot in the Wyoming 
Range where the present settled snow depth is 70 inches. Remote instrumentation has recorded 
35 inches of new snow in the Togwotee Pass area during this period. The present settled snow 
depth at the SnowTel site on the top of Togwotee Pass is 63 inches. Skies cleared this afternoon 
as mountain temperatures remained in the teens. Strong ridgetop west-northwesterly winds moved 
the new light density snow into leeward avalanche starting zones. Numerous natural and skier 
triggered soft slab avalanches have been observed or reported.

FORECAST FOR Thursday January 05, 2006 :

A respite from significant snowfall should last through Friday as high pressure builds into the 
area. There is potential for morning valley fog. A thermal inversion will enable mountain 
temperatures to rise into the upper 20's. Ridgetop winds will be north to northwesterly at 
5 to 15 MPH.

AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TETON, TOGWOTEE PASS/CONTINENTAL DIVIDE 
AND GREYS RIVER/SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREAS

The general avalanche danger is expected to remain CONSIDERABLE. Soft surface slabs up to several 
feet deep are likely to be easily triggered by a single skier on steep wind loaded aspects. The 
potential for very large dangerous slabs to be human triggered and run long distances persist. 
Sunshine and warm temperatures will increase the sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers 
as the day progresses and could trigger sizable soft slabs, loose snow sluffs and sunballs and 
pinwheels on steep sunlit aspects.

Backcountry users are advised to consult area specific forecasts issued every morning as new 
information may become available and unexpected weather can change conditions.

TREND FOR FRIDAY AND SATURDAY :

The next Pacific storm with more accumulating snow is expected Friday night and Saturday. An even 
stronger Pacific system will likely produce more snowfall Sunday afternoon and evening. The general 
avalanche hazard will very slowly decrease until new precipitation arrives.