Tetons

Avalanches are unlikely in the majority of terrain today. Exceptions may be found in isolated and extremely steep terrain above 10,000’ where the wind has been strongest. Low danger does not mean no danger. Continue to practice safe travel habits by exposing one person at a time and avoiding terrain traps.

Clear skies prevail across the Tetons after a Snowy December and early January. Snowfall tapered off on January 9th and numerous small (D1) wind slabs were triggered by skiers on the 10th as the upper snowpack settled and adjusted to the recent load. Since then, the snowpack has entered a period of relative stability as time and diurnal heating and cooling have strengthened the upper layers. Moderate to strong westerly winds with varying direction have continued to erode and stiffen snow surfaces above 10,000’. There is little to no loose snow available for transport in the upper elevations leaving only isolated pockets of potentially unstable wind slab in the highest reaches of the range. Middle elevation snow surfaces are a mix of crusts on solar aspects and faceted “recycled powder” on shaded aspects and slopes below the inversion.

Deeper layers including basal facets and crust/facet combinations in the middle of the snowpack are effectively dormant for the time being. The last reported event involving one of these layers occurred over two weeks ago on New Years day. Stability tests, which were producing mixed results around the new year, have trended towards non propagating (stable) results. Avalanches involving deeper interfaces are very unlikely and would be considered an outlier event. Still, the transition to low avalanche danger does not mean there is no danger. Trouble could be found in and around terrain traps. Tight gullies and rocky unsupported slopes come to mind. The recent fatality in the southern Salt River range is a sobering reminder that an isolated and relatively small avalanche in consequential terrain can have a tragic outcome. Practice safe travel habits and remain vigilant even in times of low avalanche hazard.