Tetons

Three feet of new snow with nearly two inches of moisture has fallen on weak, faceted layers at the mid and upper elevations in the past three days. Strong southwest winds for two days created easily triggered slabs two to six feet in depth. Yesterday the Jackson Hole Resort conducted mitigation for the first time this season. Many large slides were released by small explosive charges which also released more remote paths. Large slides were also triggered on approach and with ski cuts. Most slides were on steep terrain where drifting had accumulated deeper snow. Slides ran on north, east and south aspects. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious routefinding and conservative decision-making are essential for safe travel today.