Tetons

The snowpack across all forecast areas is generally stable though some isolated, springtime hazards exist. Enter the mountains early and exit slopes before snow becomes wet or slushy. Keep falling cornices  on your radar as you travel and be prepared to manage small, human-triggered wet loose avalanches as the snow warms.

The recent most snowfall (April 4, ~16") has been subjected to multiple melt-freeze cycles on solar aspects at all elevations and northerly aspects below about 9,000'. The daily question to answer is how hard did the snow refreeze. Last night's temperatures reached the upper-twenties though some clouds may have slowed the cooling. In any case, the high April sun and warmer temperatures today  (near 40F) will soften the surface snow, making for good corn skiing on the cooler end of the spectrum and wet, sloppy conditions and loose avalanches on the hotter end.  Though likely to be small today, wet loose sluffs could still be a problem in confined rocky terrain or above cliff bands. Cornices remain a lingering threat so keep an eye on those.  Dry snow exists on shady, north facing slopes above 9,000' but you'll have to negotiate your way through a mine field of sagebrush, rocks and other obstacles as you lose elevation. Pay attention to to boot and ski penetration, if you start sinking deeply, you found potential wet avalanche problems.

Human Factor Research: Researchers Ian McCammon and Sara Boilen are developing new tools for managing human factors for backcountry skiers, snowboarders and snowmobilers. This survey asks about personal experiences with human factors and will take 7-8 minutes to complete. You can find the questionnaire HERE.  Thanks in advance for taking the time to complete the survey!