Tetons

Generally stable avalanche conditions exist. The possibility of avalanche activity is limited to isolated pockets of shallow slabs in steep  cliff areas and in other extreme terrain at the high elevations.  Normal caution and safe travel practices are advised. 

Another day of dry and cold conditions has continued to promote faceting(weakening) of the upper portion of the snowpack. The clear nights are also driving surface hoar growth which can be found in a considerable amount of terrain throughout western Wyoming. Some areas, particularly in colder terrain that traps moisture, the surface hoar grains have become large.  Although this weather pattern further decreases any lingering slab hazard, it is also creating a weak layer that is likely to be a factor when future storms arrive. While in the backcountry, taking note of areas of surface hoar and advanced surface faceting may be beneficial to making safe route decisions in the weeks to come.