Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Highlights

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning beginning at 6:00 AM. After mostly stable avalanche conditions this morning, strong winds and snow will combine to form new pockets of dense wind slab in the mountains. As these slabs gain depth and volume, they will become more easily triggered in steep, wind loaded terrain. In the afternoon, the hazard will likely increase to Moderate at the upper elevations. Monitor the developing slabs, and be willing to alter your travel plans if conditions warrant. Valley rain could also result in small wet slides at the lower elevations in the afternoon.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong southwesterly ridgetop winds and moderate to heavy snowfall will build pockets of wind slab on leeward slopes at the upper elevations. These slabs are forming on a variety of snow surfaces which include crusts, wind pack and settled snow. Skiers and riders choosing to venture into steep avalanche terrain will be increasingly likely to trigger these slabs as the day progresses. By this evening, slab depths could reach 12 to 18 inches. Smaller, isolated pockets of slab could be triggered at the mid elevations.

Avalanche Discussion

The National Weather Serviced issued a Winter Storm Warning this morning for the Tetons, Togwotee Pass and the northern portion of the Southwest Trails forecast zone. This warning will continue through 6:00 PM on Sunday. The low pressure system off of the Pacific coast will continue to stream moisture into the region overnight and through most of the day on Sunday. The Tetons will once again be favored with this scenario, and an additional 6 to 12 inches could accumulate by tomorrow evening. The Southwest Trails and Togwotee Pass areas could see 3 to 6 inches in the same timeframe. Valley rain will also be possible in the afternoon. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low 20s before rising to near freezing during the day. Valley temperatures are expected to dip below freezing before rising to around 40 in the afternoon. Southerly to southwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 15 to 25 miles per hour.On Sunday, the general avalanche hazard is expected to be Considerable above 9,000 feet and Moderate below 9,000 feet in the Tetons. Skiers and riders could trigger newly developed wind slabs ranging in depth from one to three feet along with loose snow sloughs. In the Southwest Trails and Togwotee Pass forecast zones, Moderate hazard with similar concerns is expected in areas with more substantial snowfall. If significant valley rain occurs, wet slides involving the new snow will be possible, and these slides might involve older snow. Keep up your situational awareness; the hazard will be a function of the amount of new snow, and this could vary significantly within forecast zones.

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