Tetons

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE today above 7,500 feet. The primary concern is surface slabs up to 3 feet in depth created by last weeks storm cycle, which could still be skier or rider triggered today in wind loaded starting zones. The secondary concern is large, dangerous hard slabs which overlie a variety of instabilities. These weak layers include density changes in the New Years storm cycle, spotty lurking surface hoar from the December cold snap, and basal facets overlying cliff areas and rock outcroppings. These deeper instabilities are becoming difficult to initiate. However, large groups, snow machiners, falling cornices, and surface slabs could all act as a trigger for these avalanches with severe consequences. At the lower elevations isolated pockets of slab could still be triggered in very steep starting zones.