Tetons

It is unlikely that you will trigger an avalanche today. Isolated pockets of unstable snow may exist in very steep, upper elevation terrain that has been exposed to strong winds. The consequences of getting knocked off your feet above dangerous terrain remain high even when the avalanche danger is low. Travel one at a time and avoid terrain traps.

The last snowfall ended over a week ago, and the snowpack continues to adjust and strengthen. Moderate to strong northwesterly winds have continued to erode and stiffen snow surfaces on exposed upper elevation slopes. There is little to no loose snow available for transport in the upper elevations, but with almost 700 miles of wind overnight at the JHMR summit, watch for 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. Challenging ski conditions are perhaps the greatest hazard of the day.

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. 

Keep an eye out for terrain traps as you travel.  Tight gullies and rocky, unsupported slopes carry high consequences in the unlikely event of an avalanche. 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 when the avalanche hazard is low.