JACKSON, Wyo. — The avalanche danger in the Tetons has been classified as high today at mid and high elevations above 7,500 feet, for both the morning and afternoon. At lower elevations the avalanche rating is considerable.

With new heavy snow overnight and strong southwesterly winds, dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Winds are expected to shift to the northwest throughout the day. Due to the new snow and wind loading, wind slab avalanches could be triggered in steep terrain above 8,000 feet. The sensitivity will increase throughout the day with changing wind directions.

Human triggered avalanches are very likely today. Large persistent slab slides could occur at all elevations, involving the weak layer close to the ground.

According to Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center, yesterday skiers skinning on KBs ridge triggered a large slab avalanche on a southeast-facing slope at an elevation of 8515 feet. The avalanche occurred at around 1 p.m, Jan. 4. No one was caught or buried but the slide reportedly ran down the slope for several hundred feet, running over cliffs before coming to a stop.

In light of increased backcountry use this season, the Teton County Search and Rescue Foundation has released a short video from Backcountry Zero to stress the importance of safe and responsible backcountry use. “Check Yourself, Check Your Friends”  highlights the important steps to take before heading out into the backcountry.

“Check Yourself, Check Your Friends” was shot and produced by KGB Productions and features Jackson skiers Morgan McGlashon, Daniel Tisi and Riis Wilbrecht.

Up-to-date Jackson Hole snow and weather reports can be found here.