Tetons

Areas of unstable snow exist and await human triggers. Slabs one to three feet in depth lie upon a weak layer of buried surface hoar and slick old snow surfaces. Variability in the spacial distribution of the buried surface hoar complicates the assessment of specific slope stability. Yesterday snowmobilers triggered a two foot deep slide on a southeast aspect in the Indian Creek area of the Snake River Range. Two days ago skiers triggered two and thee foot deep slides on northerly aspects in the southern Tetons. Similar events could be triggered today on steep snow covered slopes and in cliff areas. Skiers or riders could cross an avalanche starting zone multiple times before a trigger spot is crossed and the slope fails.