Tetons

The General Avalanche Hazard is CONSIDERABLE at the Mid and Upper elevations and MODERATE at the Lower elevations. Strong West-southwest winds at 30 to 45 mph, with gusts near 60, have created new soft slabs up to a foot in depth in wind loaded starting zones. These new soft slabs add weight to existing slabs lying atop suncrusts and well developed surface hoar formed during the January dry spell. In addition to the possibility of natural avalanche activity, backcountry travelers could trigger new slabs on the new and old snow interface or deeper existing slabs up to three feet in depth. Below 7,500 feet, where temperatures remained above freezing overnight, any valley rain could bring about the possibility of wet loose avalanches. Avalanche knowledge, excellent route finding skills, and the ability to resist peer pressure are all essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain today.