Tetons

Three feet of new snow ending yesterday fell on weak, faceted layers at the mid and upper elevations. Strong southwest winds for two days created slabs two to six feet in depth. Monday and Tuesday the Jackson Hole Resort conducted mitigation for the first time this season. Many large slides were released by small explosive charges which also released more remote paths. Most slides were on steep terrain at upper elevations where drifting had accumulated deeper snow. Slides ran on north, east and south aspects. Similar slides could be released today and may require larger triggers like multiple ski tracks. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious routefinding and conservative decision-making are essential for safe travel.