Tetons

Watch for unstable snow on steep, wind loaded upper elevation terrain where small and shallow avalanches are possible. Stable conditions exist in the majority of terrain. Identify areas where getting knocked off your feet by a small pocket of unstable snow would be consequential. Look for shooting cracks, travel one at a time, and identify terrain traps.

Low danger does not mean no danger. This has been the theme lately, and it remains very true today. Here are a few considerations as you move through the mountains today.

New Snow

• 2-3 inches of new snow and moderate westerly winds overnight have formed shallow pockets of wind slab above 8500 feet. These pockets could be sitting on older, stubborn wind slabs from last weekend.
• Look for drifting, stiff surfaces and shooting cracks. Avalanches in this new snow will be big enough to knock you off your feet. 
• Pay close attention in steep terrain below ridgelines, around rocky features like cliff bands, and in crossloaded gullies. 
• Don’t be caught off guard, especially above dangerous terrain. Evaluate the upper snowpack before entering consequential terrain. New snow (and recent snow from last weekend) fell on a variety of surfaces, including recently buried facets, surface hoar, crusts, and wind board. Small avalanches in recent snow could move a little faster and farther than you expect on these old surfaces.

Old Snow

• 2 weeks of dry weather ended last weekend. In some protected areas, 8-10 inches of faceting occurred (recycled powder). In very steep, sheltered and shady areas, small dry loose avalanches could move quickly. Keep this in mind above terrain traps, especially below 9000 feet with shady, protected slopes.
• Dig around and see how deep crusts, facets, and surface hoar were buried and where those old surfaces exist. These old surfaces may or may not be a problem if it snows again, but having an idea of where they exist will be helpful moving forward.

Please give us a hand by submitting an observation. This information helps paint a picture of current conditions and contributes to accurate forecasting.