Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended at this time.
Human triggered avalanche events were widespread yesterday. One person was injured in an avalanche and required assistance from Teton County SAR Idaho. Other events occurred in closed areas and in backcountry terrain in and near Snow King and the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
Although unlikely, the possibility also exists for avalanches involving older weak snow layers buried in early December. Such events are most likely to occur when a slope is impacted by a large avalanche involving the recent snowfall.
Since January 4th, approximately four feet of snow containing four inches of water has fallen on a snowpack that was comprised primarily of weak faceted snow. Avalanches could be easily triggered in steep terrain today by backcountry riders and skiers on all aspects and at all elevations. These slabs could be hard or soft and have depths of four to five feet at the mid and high elevations and one to three feet at the low elevations. These slabs could release remotely or may require a person to be on the slope before failure occurs. Avoid travelling in or under avalanche starting zones.
(1/12/2024) Crown appears to be about 8 in thick Photo: Rhyannon Hayes
Do not overthink the snowpack. It is very dangerous. Avalanches are occuring in terrain that is not particularly steep so above normal caution is necessary. Any avalanche terrain with enough coverage to travel is suspect. Avalanches can be small to very large. With one of the driest Decembers on record, the weak snow layer that was buried on January 4th is an exceptionally bad one for our intermountain snowpack. As the release of slab avalanches becomes less sensitive over the next few days, it is not indicitive of any healing of that layer. The current persistent slab problem will stick with us for a while. Backcountry recreationalists need to take a look at this weak snowpack by getting out their shovels and looking at it. It will be obvious. All are asked to spread the word that the snowpack at this time is unique and will remain dangerous for quite some time. Yesterday there were several close calls by people either thinking that the backcountry near ski areas is safe or that closed areas in ski areas are safe. Areas that normally see more traffic, such as Teton Pass or ski area accessed backcountry terrain is as dangerous as any other place in the backcountry. Right now, unstable snow can be found anywhere. Be carefull and do not let the quality surface powder trick you into underestimating the weak snow that is buried under it.
