Tetons

Be on the lookout for small wind drifts at upper elevations. Loose snow avalanches can also occur in steep terrain. Both can knock a rider off their feet or into consequential spots. Stable weather conditions have caused a decrease in the likelihood of triggering a large avalanche. However, low danger does not = no avalanches. Generally safe conditions exist on slopes protected from the wind.

The weekend's small storm welcomed 3-6" of new snow and light to moderate northerly winds. This wasn't enough to appreciably change the avalanche danger, and the rating has remained low. However, it did add a few things to the list of "minor" problems that you could encounter today (this list should include the frigid temperatures), especially if your backcountry adventures take you to steep, consequential terrain:

• Fresh wind slabs. I found that the combination of new snow and north winds had formed small, fresh wind drifts in this zone yesterday. These ran easily on older crusts ranging from E-S-W up to 10,000 feet. While relatively small and isolated, they could be enough to knock you off your feet or machine. Fresh wind slabs will be most common in upper-elevation terrain. They'll be fairly easily identified by signs of surface wind texture or snow that feels thicker, denser, or more cohesive than what you're finding on wind-sheltered slopes.
• Loose snow avalanches. The new snow fell on top of slick crusts on slopes that face the sun and on top of older, decomposing snow on shady slopes. Today's forecasted temps should counterbalance direct sunshine, which could cause the new snow to come unglued from these crusts and form (relatively) small sluffs. These two avalanche problems merit consideration and respect

In addition to these small but fairly likely problems, keep in mind that weak faceted snow exists near the ground on shaded W-NW-N-NE-E facing slopes at middle and upper elevations. In this zone, it's buried beneath a very dense, 3-4' thick slab. Triggering this layer would take a dose of very bad luck. However, it's wise to remain leery of big, open, "prime-time" slopes (around 35-45 degrees) that are wind-affected and rocky or have remained shallow and weaker for most of the season. 

Our habits follow us. An avalanche hazard rating is a simple tool for generalizing a complex system. Ratings will always fluctuate throughout the winter, but our travel habits should remain the same. Have fun, but keep it tight!