Tetons

At the mid and upper elevations, 8 to 12 inches of new snow combined with periods of strong southwest winds have created one to two foot soft slabs. Backcountry travelers could easily trigger these slabs, along with loose snow sluffs, on steep, wind-loaded slopes. Higher consequences will result from failure of deeper instabilities formed in November. Dangerous hard slabs, three to four feet in depth, continue to be triggered by backcountry travelers, and could also step down from smaller slides, or release spontaneously under the load of the new snow. Below 7,500 feet, the primary concern is newly developed soft slabs and loose snow sluffs 6 to 12 inches in depth. Use conservative decision making, careful route finding, and good travel habits. Training and experience are essential.