The combination of recent snow, wind, and buried weak layers make human triggered avalanches possible today. Cracking within wind drifted snow and audible collapsing of the snowpack are signs of instability. Carefully assess the snowpack before entering steep, rocky terrain with thin coverage.
Slabs can be triggered in very steep terrain features, such as unsupported slopes above cliff bands. These slabs could be soft or hard with depths up to 3 feet at the higher elevations. Continue to exercise safe travel techniques and look for this problematic layer, especially in steep and exposed terrain.
Yesterday a skier triggered and was caught in an avalanche south of Rendezvous Peak near Phillips Canyon. Details are limited at this time, but it appears to have been a size 2 avalanche on a southerly aspect near 10,500 feet (see observations). Similar events are possible today.
A strengthening trend is evident in the snowpack in most areas, though the weak snow layers still show a tendency, albeit a stubborn tendency, to propagate a crack in stability tests. The Togwotee area, along with lower elevations in the Greys and Tetons, has a shallow snowpack with poor structure and well developed facets. However, less snow and therefore less slab development has resulted in a less widespread problem until additional loading occurs. Low density snow has been drifting and may have formed small and shallow wind slabs near ridge tops. Look for cracking as you approach wind affected snow.
