Tetons

Triggering an avalanche is unlikely today. Low danger does not mean no danger. Isolated pockets of unstable snow may exist in very steep terrain in the upper elevations. Evaluate the snowpack prior to entering consequential terrain and continue to practice safe travel habits today.

It has been 12 days since the last snowflake fell from the sky. Since then, the snowpack has settled and strengthened making avalanches unlikely in the majority of terrain. Strong winds have formed stiff wind slabs on many exposed slopes above 8,000’, while other areas have seen significant wind erosion. Slabs have had ample time to stabilize and adjust to underlying layers. Despite this, it remains important to remain vigilant in very steep terrain. This small avalanche was triggered a few days ago and is a good reminder that pockets of unstable snow exist, even during periods of low danger. Safe travel practices such as only exposing one group member to hazard at a time and stopping in islands of safety continue to be important.

Snow surfaces are showing signs of weakening as a result of the prolonged high pressure spell. Surface hoar and facets exist on shaded slopes that are sheltered from the wind. Crusts of varying thickness exist on most solar aspects. The current snow surface is worth tracking as it will create the primary avalanche concern if snowfall ever returns to the region. Deeper layers including basal facets, and crusts in the middle of the snowpack are effectively dormant for the time being. The last reported event involving one of these layers occurred three weeks ago on New Years day.