Tetons

Lawinenprobleme

• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Likely

  Größe

  1.5–2.5

  Triggering an avalanche up to 3 feet deep is possible on buried weak layers. Sheltered, northerly aspects between 8,000’ and 9,500’ are the most dangerous and where we have seen almost all of the avalanche activity this week. Buried facets and surface hoar have a similar distribution in these areas, but dig down to assess where these layers are buried. Buried surface hoar is notorious for wide propagation and being remotely triggered from gentle terrain above, below, or beside steep slopes. Other aspects cannot be ruled out yet. Give yourself a wide margin of safety around steep slopes today.

  Slopes that are wind-loaded and harbor buried weak layers will be dangerous today. Most avalanche activity observed has been on the west and south side of the Tetons, where weak layers are more widespread.

  

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Possible

  Größe

  1–2

  Strong west and southwest winds over the last three days have redistributed new snow and formed wind slabs up to 2 feet deep. These slabs could be sensitive to the weight of a rider. Look for wind slab below ridgelines, around cliffs, and in cross-loaded terrain features. Recent strong winds have affected snow surfaces at all elevations. On very exposed upper elevation slopes, hard wind slabs exist and could break above you instead of at your feet. Look for obvious signs of wind-affected snow, including large drifts, stiffened surfaces, and shooting cracks. Wind slabs can break deeper and step down to buried weak layers.