Tetons

Generally safe avalanche conditions exist. Watch for isolated pockets of unstable snow on very steep wind-loaded slopes at upper elevations. Remember that small avalanches carry high consequences if you get knocked off your feet above cliffs or other dangerous terrain. 

It is unlikely that you will trigger an avalanche today. That said, if you really go looking for unstable snow in the Tetons, I would go right to upper elevation slopes that are exposed to the wind and poke around near cliffs and couloir entrances. This is the type of terrain where you might find a small wind slab, probably less than 10 inches thick but plenty big enough to knock you off your feet. It’s also the type of terrain that we step out into during times of Low avalanche danger. And although the wind has not been strong, it has changed direction in the last 48 hours from NW, W, and SW in some locations - something to keep in mind. On steep slopes that are protected from the wind, snow that fell on Monday could sluff easily due to widespread crusts that formed last week during the warm high pressure. 

So as you’re poking around out there today, here’s what I would be thinking about:

• Small wind slabs - These will be isolated to upper elevations but could catch you off guard and knock you off your feet. Look for pillows and stiff drifts. Very steep slopes around cliffs, couloirs, and convexities have the potential to hold unstable snow.
• Loose snow avalanches (Sluffing) -  The new snow fell on top of crusts on every aspect at low elevations and present on sunny slopes in the middle and upper elevations. If you’re skiing very steep sheltered slopes, you might have more sluff than you think, given that only 3-6 inches of snow fell 2 days ago.
• Cornices - Cornices are big this time of year, and while temperatures have cooled off, many cornices have started cracking and can still break unexpectedly. Remember that they crack much further back than you expect - something to keep in mind as you climb ridges. Minimize the time spent on slopes beneath cornices.
• Variable surface conditions - This is not an avalanche hazard but could be hazardous nonetheless. Remember that crusts are almost everywhere except on high, north-facing slopes and are only covered by a few inches of snow. 

A winter storm warning goes into effect tonight at 8 pm and is currently scheduled to last until Friday morning at 5 am. Although it looks to bring lots of snow, it will not arrive in time to change the avalanche hazard today.