Tetons

Generally safe avalanche conditions exist but watch for steep, rocky areas at the upper elevations where the wind has stiffened the snow. Areas to watch out for include underneath cliffs and along ridglines where wind drifted snow has accumulated. Normal caution and safe travel practices are advised. 

Yesterday was cold and clear in the mountains with no new snow and light winds out of the north. Northerly flow aloft should keep things cold for the time being, with inverted temperatures in some valley locations. Dry loose activity within the new snow/old snow interface remains a minor concern in steep northerly terrain, and strong crusts with facets below are developing on solar aspects, especially at the mid and lower elevations.

The avalanche danger is not expected to change much until we get some weather headed our way. Right now it looks like a shortwave trough will quickly pass through the area on Tuesday night, but this is not looking promising as far as snowfall amounts go. Winds will ramp up slightly with the passing of this system but then it looks like we are back to high and dry conditions for a bit, albeit with warmer temperatures than we are currently seeing.

Steep, rocky slopes that were previously wind loaded are still the most likely places to trigger avalanches, especially at the upper elevations. The snowpack has had ample opportunity to facet out and lose strength throughout the mid November dry spell, especially on northern aspects. The snowpack remains generally right side up (hardness increases with depth) above the October snow line (November 2 layer). On some aspects the November 2 layer is moist and well bonded and in other areas it is noticeably weaker.

The snow surface from this most recent dry spell (along with the most recent stellars) will undoubtedly be the next weak layer of concern as we move into the future.