Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

New snow combined with shifting south to west wind has created heightened avalanche conditions on wind loaded terrain where triggering avalanches up to 18 inches deep is possible. Heavy, dense snow could also create unstable conditions on very steep sheltered terrain. Assess the new snow stability across different aspects and elevations while identifying more dangerous wind loaded terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    5-10 inches of the snow over the last 24 hours combined with south to west wind 15-25 mph has formed slabs up to 12-18 inches deep on wind loaded terrain. Triggering avalanches will be more likely the higher you travel in elevation and into more open/exposed terrain to the wind. Pay attention to wind slabs formed directly off leeward ridgelines and cross loaded terrain such as around cliffs and couloirs. Look for signs of instability including stiffened snow surfaces, shooting cracks, or large pillow/drifts formed by wind. 

    New snow yesterday fell on a variety of snow surfaces and was reactive across most aspects on steep terrain over 35°. New snow could remain unstable in sheltered terrain today where loose avalanches are a concern. Assess new snow stability by performing quick hand shear tests and identifying how the new to old snow interface is bonding.

    (3/13/2025)

    Dry loose avalanches on upper elevation northerly aspects. Larger slab avalanches are possible in more exposed terrain to the wind. 

    Photo: Alex Drinkard

Avalanche Discussion

New Snow Stability

New snow yesterday was bonding poorly to the large array of snow surfaces formed prior to the storm creating widespread wet and dry loose avalanches on steeper terrain. New to old snow interfaces varied from fairly widespread crusts on south-west-east aspects and areas of faceted snow on sheltered north aspects. Wet snow transitioned to dry snow around 8,000’. While these avalanches remained relatively harmless (D1), they could easily knock you off your feet or machine on more consequential slopes. Cooling temperature trends should help stabilize the new dense snow, but you’ll have to verify that in the backcountry yourself. Watch for new snow to become more reactive on slopes facing the sun if skies clear, even for brief periods. 

Wind loaded terrain will be the main concern. Shifting south to west wind has loaded a variety of different slopes. Watch for visible snow transport today as a clear sign that a slope is wind loaded and easier to trigger a slab avalanche. Remember that the poor bonding interfaces could make wind slabs more reactive on specific terrain. Stick to lower and less consequential terrain to manage the uncertainty of new snow avalanche problems.

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