Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The risk of triggering a slab avalanche on a weak layer of snow 1-3 feet beneath the surface continues today. Triggering an avalanche on this layer is trending towards unlikely but we aren't there yet. The avalanche type you encounter today could break above you, after you have commited to a slope. Lower angle slopes on shady aspects are the best bet to avoid this hazard and find decent snow. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    The weak layer of snow that sits beneath the slab formed by our last signifcant snowfalls continues to be a problem. Though there are less reports of collapsing, the layer propagates cracks in the majority of test pits.  Really obvious signs of unstable snow, like whoompfing, are occurring much less frequently but those test results and poor structure are enough. Don't let the less talkative snowpack lure you into stepping into consequential terrain where this avalanche dragon resides. The weak layer in play can be found by digging or probing and performing stability tests but these strategies will only confirm what you already know, the snowpack is shallow and weak. If you really want improve your odds of avoiding an avalanche, just assume the weak layer is there and stick to favorable terrain. Low slope angles under thirty degrees and slopes without rollovers are your friend. Steep, rocky and previously wind loaded terrain are not.

     

     

Avalanche Discussion

There aren't a lot of great choices for good skiing terrain except slopes out of direct sun, above about 8,500' that haven't crusted over yet. Seeking out sun and wind sheltered terrain under 30 degrees, basically recycled hippie powder, is currently the most reliable strategy to avoid triggering an avalanche. The persistent avalanche problem type seems particularly well-named at this point with little change in the characteristics of the weak layer of facets over the past ten days. If you look through snow pits produced by  experienced snow professionals in the area, you will see a pattern of similar stability test results and poor structure with a well developed, dry, 2mm facets the failure layer.  And you'll note that many "did not ski the slope".   Time and a weather pattern change are our only allies at this moment. Oh, and at risk of sounding like the Grinch, remember that the weak layer of facets 1-3' down is now capped by surface hoar and an inch of two of new snow. It starting to feel like we may all get a lump of coal in our stocking.

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