Tetons

Yesterday a fresh natural hard slab avalanche with a five foot crown was observed on a southeast aspect of Mt. Taylor near the Coal Creek/Mesquite Creek Divide. This is the only new avalanche activity that we are aware of in the backcountry since last weekend. At the mid and upper elevations deep hard slabs up to five feet in depth present a serious threat to humans who venture into avalanche paths that did not slide during the past storm cycle. These slabs could be human triggered, especially by larger triggers such as snow machines. These slabs are problematic because in some areas they are stable, in other areas they may be crossed multiple times before a weak spot is hit causing the slab to slide and in other areas they could be remotely triggered by the weight of a single person. As the day progresses warm temperatures and abundant sunshine will increase the sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers. People tend to take greater risks when the skies are clear. Conservation terrain choices and restraint are essential as the consequences of triggering a deep hard slab could be fatal.

Inverted conditions and mostly clear skies are in store for Sunday. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near 10 before rising into the mid 20s during the day. Easterly ridgetop winds will range from 5 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE on Sunday. Hard slabs, up to five feet in depth, continue to present a threat to backcountry travelers venturing into steep avalanche paths that did not slide during the last storm cycle. Larger triggers, such as snowmobiles, are more likely to impact these deep instabilities. While the snowpack is becoming more stable, it is also becoming more variable. A slope could be crossed multiple times before a weak spot is encountered, releasing one of these hard slabs. In other areas, the weight of a single person could act as a remote trigger.Clear skies tend to encourage people to take greater risks. Daytime warming and sustained periods of sunshine will increase the likelihood of triggering these slabs on sunlit aspects. Conservation terrain choices and restraint are essential; the consequences of being caught in one of these slabs could be fatal.