Tetons

Triggering an avalanche is unlikely today. Low danger does not mean no danger. Isolated pockets of unstable snow may exist on very steep and complex terrain features. Evaluate the snowpack before entering consequential terrain and don’t let your guard down in the mountains.

It has been 13 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. Hard wind slabs that formed during periods of strong wind over a week ago have had ample time to stabilize. New wind slab development is currently unlikely given the little loose snow available for transport. Deeper layers including basal facets, and crusts in the middle of the snowpack are effectively dormant for the time being. Despite the relatively good stability, it is important to remain vigilant in very steep and complex terrain as the chances of finding unstable snow are highest here. Safe travel practices such as only exposing one group member to hazard at a time, keeping an eye on your partners, and giving terrain traps a healthy margin remain important, even in periods of low danger.

Snow surfaces are showing signs of weakening as a result of the prolonged high pressure spell. The top 4-6 inches of snow has faceted on shaded slopes that are sheltered from the wind. Surface hoar has also been observed on many slopes below 9,000 feet. Crusts of varying thickness exist on most solar aspects. A lot can happen in the days before it snows, however, the current snow surface is worth tracking as it will create the primary avalanche concern once snow returns.