Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

It will be possible to trigger avalanches in steep wind loaded terrain in the mid and upper elevations today. These slabs will be 1-3 feet thick and large enough to injure or bury a person.  In the lower elevations avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets of very steep terrain.

 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    New snow and strong winds formed slabs 48 hours ago that may be sensitive to the weight of a person or machine today. It will be more likely to trigger these slabs in terrain over 35 degrees in steepness and where the wind has deposited the new snow. Large triggers such as groups and snowmobiles will also increase the odds of triggering. 

    Given the high wind speeds, expect slabs to have formed further down and across slope than normal. Slab depths will vary greatly due to the high winds as well. Watch for signs of unstable snow such as recent avalanches, shooting cracks and whoompfing. When these signs are present, move to less steep and exposed terrain.

    (2/7/2025)

    Numerous wind slabs 1-3 feet thick such as this were easily triggered in the Tetons on Feb 8 on variety of aspects in the mid and upper elevations. Expect triggering to be less likely today, but still possible.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Snow that fell over the first 3 days of February built slabs 2-4 feet thick. These slabs sit on a variety of interfaces, including crusts on solar aspects and facets on shaded aspects. This interface is now buried 3-6 feet below the surface. The likelihood of triggering slabs at this interface is becoming less likely over time. The possibility remains to activate this layer, particularly in very steep terrain or in cases where an avalanche involving the recent snow increases the stress on these deeper layers in the middle of the snowpack. While the likelihood is on the low end of the scale, it remains important to stack the odds in your favor by following safe travel protocol. Travel one at a time across steep terrain, use islands of safety and communicate with your partners.

    (2/3/2025)

    A large skier-triggered avalanche on a NE-facing slope at 9,400' south of JHMR. It likely failed within the new snow on a density break and was thickened by wind loading. 7 skiers were caught and carried. All members of the party survived the incident.

Avalanche Discussion

Avalanches involving “day old” wind slabs are the most likely problem to encounter today. Activity likely peaked two days ago in step with the combination of intense precipitation and high winds. Numerous observations indicated this initial instability throughout the Tetons and continued through the day yesterday. Expect the snow to be less reactive than yesterday, but still potentially unstable in steep wind loaded terrain.

The Jan 31 interface consisting of crusts and facets remains on the radar. This layer has been buried by 5-6 feet of snow containing nearly 7” of Snow water equivalent. Since that layer was buried 6 days ago, temperatures have been warm, rain has fallen up to 9,000 feet, new snow and wind has stressed the snowpack, and temperatures have now cooled down. In summary, the snowpack has been put to the test by the weather and recent smaller avalanches within the new snow. While observations have been somewhat limited due to poor visibility, the lack of reported activity at these depths, combined with these weather factors paint a picture of improving stability at this interface.

If you see avalanche activity today, please consider submitting an observation HERE. Observations allow everyone to gain a better and more complete understanding of conditions. Thanks!

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