Tetons

The avalanche danger is LOW. As you travel, watch for changing conditions, particularly across elevations. If the forecasted snow arrives (or more), we could see shallow wind slabs at upper elevations by the end of the day. Monitor new snow totals and watch for drifting and cracking in any new snow on steep exposed slopes.

We are entering a period of colder, unsettled weather. Most of the snowpack is well into the spring melt-freeze cycle. Most elevations and aspects will have a supportable crust today that will not break down due to cold, stormy weather. The weather forecast is calling for up to 6 inches at upper elevations, favoring the western and northern parts of the forecast zone. While the colder weather is lowing the avalanche danger, there are a few things to keep an eye out for as you travel:

NEW SNOW: If we end up at or above the upper end of forecasted snow totals, we could see shallow wind slabs forming at upper elevations by the end of the day. Moderate westerly winds could load north through east through south aspects. These soft slabs could get up to a foot thick but will be isolated to very exposed areas. Watch for cracking or drifting in new snow at the entrances of couloirs or above any consequential terrain.

WET SNOW: The crust is real out there. That said, many lower-elevation locations are still at or above freezing this morning. As you travel into or out of the mountains below 8000 feet, watch for wet snow. Many lower-elevation sheltered/treed slopes might not have a crust or maybe just a weak crust with wet, slushy snow underneath. Watch out for these conditions and be cautious if you are traveling around steep slopes with wet snow, especially above terrain traps of other consequential terrain.

CORNICES: Colder temperatures should help to lower the sensitivity of cornices. However, after several days of sunshine and very warm temps, it’s still possible for cornices to break. Continue to minimize time spent on slopes underneath cornices and remember that they always break much further back on the ridge than you might expect. 

HIGH MOUNTAIN VARIABLE: Watch for changing conditions as you travel. In some places, upper elevation northerly terrain is still holding soft snow. This is particularly true the further north you go in the forecast zone. Southern parts of the Tetons seem to be further along in the spring cycle. Wherever you travel, anticipate that conditions are variable (it’s spring after all) and continue to watch for unstable snow in isolated terrain features.

In general, riding conditions are challenging right now. Keep that in mind as you move through the mountains. Lower elevation obstacles are melting out, and combined with supportable and unsupportable crusts, the likelihood of injury is elevated. Adjust accordingly.

Thank you to everyone who helped out by sending us observations this season. That information is critical and helps us paint a much more accurate picture of what’s going on out there. 

BTAC will be issuing the final daily avalanche forecast on Saturday, April 20th but will continue with General Snow and Avalanche Information Bulletins two times per week until May. We will update the Big Sheet daily until June 1st.