Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Dangerous large to very large slab avalanches could be triggered by skiers and riders above 7,500 feet. These slabs lie over a variety of persistent weak layers. The uncertainty with these layers continues to be a concern as they have produced several large avalanches this week. Although persistent slab avalanches are the primary hazard, backcountry travelers could also encounter small wind slabs along high ridges and wind loaded terrain features. Cautious route finding is essential to travel through the mountains today, and backcountry travelers should monitor the new snow as it increases the load on existing weak layers. Below 7,500 feet, avalanches are unlikely except in steep, isolated terrain features.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    Although the snowpack structure is highly variable, the presence of these weak layers is widespread. These slabs could be three to four feet in depth and lie over a variety of crusts and weak faceted snow that formed during a prolonged dry period in early December. Since these problem layers lie deep in the snowpack, slopes could present as stable, and tracks should not be trusted as signs of stability.

Avalanche Discussion

Conditions will be dry on New Year’s Day. Strong temperature inversions will redevelop. Skies will be mostly sunny. In the mountains temperatures will warm into the 20’s from morning lows near 10 degrees. In the coldest valley locations morning temperatures will be below zero. Light winds at 5 to 10 miles per hour will back from the north to the southwest.Most avalanche fatalities are caused by persistent slab avalanches. Managing this hazard requires patience, excellent terrain evaluation skills and conservative terrain choices. Dangerous slab avalanches 2 to 4 feet in depth can be triggered by humans on a variety of aspects above an elevation of 7,500 feet. In these conditions existing tracks on a slope are not to be taken as an indication of stability. The persistent slab avalanche problem is most acute in the Greys River area where large to very large avalanches are more easily triggered and the hazard remains considerable. Large slab avalanches can still be triggered by humans with severe consequences in the Teton area. Small to large human triggered slab avalanches could also be triggered by humans in the Togwotee Pas area where the hazard will be rated as moderate. Avalanches are unlikely except on isolated terrain features at the lower elevations in all three of our forecast zones. Be careful out there.

Regions covered