Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

New snow combined with sustained strong shifting wind created firm, cohesive slabs that were reactive to human triggering yesterday. These slabs will remain reactive today with continued transport of snow increasing slab depths. Avoid wind loaded terrain on exposed slopes and use careful judgment as winds of this intensity can load unsuspecting terrain. Look for obvious signs of instability such as cracking, stiffened surfaces, and drifts.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Yesterday the zone experienced some of the stronger winds we have seen all winter. Wind speeds were 30-50 mph during peak storm with gusts to 76 mph, finally decreasing by this morning. Wind direction shifted yesterday from south to west. Expect to see reactive wind slabs of varying depths 1-2 feet with up to 3 feet possible in specific terrain. These slabs will be found in the middle and upper elevations across an array of aspects due to shifting wind direction. Pay attention to unsuspecting terrain where these slabs could be found in uncommon areas. Use careful assessment in exposed terrain in the upper elevations, especially above the treeline. 

     Partly sunny skies are forecasted today. Monitor the influence of the sun on new snow as warming could increase reactivity on solar aspects. 

     

     

    (3/10/2023)

    Obvious signs of instability. Watch out for these clues that indicate wind slabs in the middle and upper elevations. 

    Photo: Drinkard

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Lingering beneath a hard slab lies weak layers buried 2-3’. The Feb 18th layer is our main concern. Recent avalanche activity on this layer has been scarce, but propagating results in stability tests keeps us on edge still. This layer is composed of a facet, crust combination found on solar aspects in the middle and upper elevations. Lower elevations contain this same combination, as well as weak, faceted snow on all elevations. Avalanche activity on this layer is unlikely. 

    (3/7/2023)

    This avalanche may have failed naturally though an animal trigger seems possible as well. 

    Photo: Brad Boner/JH News and Guide

Avalanche Discussion

Powder Fever Hits Record Temps

Life in the snow globe continues as the atmospheric river storm produced up to 16 inches of snow in 28 hours favoring certain locations in the Tetons. Storm slabs were reactive yesterday, but cold temperatures last night with settlement should decrease their reactivity. Our attention is focused on the middle and upper elevations where howling winds have formed reactive wind slabs. Wind speeds of this intensity have not been common this season, with a 24 hour total of over 800 mph. Which means a whole lot of wind! Wind slabs will be the primary concern while you are traveling in terrain today. Exposed terrain will contain a mix of wind scoured and loaded slopes. Seek deep powder riding in that sheltered terrain while these wind slabs are still touchy and reactive today. The best snow will also likely be in the safest locations. 

Regions covered