Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
No rating
Below
No rating
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 9 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Watch for heightened avalanche conditions on steep, wind loaded terrain in upper elevations today. Larger avalanches are possible where fresh wind slabs lie above old, weak snow on the north half of the compass. Red flag avalanche conditions should warrant careful terrain choice during this first major storm of the season. Be advised that low snow coverage on many slopes prior to this storm presents an additional hazard.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow combined with periods of strong westerly wind 20-30 mph will form slabs around a foot deep on wind loaded terrain above 9,000’. The Tetons received 7-13 inches of snow yesterday with an additional 8 inches possible by sunset. Wind or cross-loaded terrain on NW-N-NE-E is capable of producing larger avalanches on weak layers buried in the middle of the snowpack up to 2 feet deep. The best snow conditions and coverage line-up with the most dangerous avalanche conditions today.

    Before the current storm, middle and lower elevation terrain lacked enough snow for sufficient travel. For this reason, we are not issuing a danger rating until total snow depth increases for reasonable travel. Be aware that the avalanche conditions explained above could creep down to middle elevations on north facing terrain.

    (11/30/2025)

    Watch for shooting cracks or stiffened snow surfaces as obvious signs of wind loaded terrain. 

     

Avalanche Discussion

Winter appears to have turned on with the flip of a switch. Prior to the current storm USGS Snotels were reporting around 40% of normal snowpack depths. Many slopes did not have enough snow for safe travel including southerly aspects even in upper elevations. If traveling in the backcountry today, it’s important to know which slopes held enough snow prior to the storm for two reasons: 1) you don’t want to hit an obstacle hiding just below the new snow. 2) buried weak layers exist where old snow has been preserved since November. Slopes containing buried weak layers could be found above 9,000’ on W-N-E aspects. We hope to gain a better understanding of where exactly these weak layers exist as travel in terrain becomes easier. For now, respect the rapid loading of new snow and the stress added to the snowpack. Dig down and start tracking where weak layers exist and how they are adjusting to the new load. To manage wind slabs look for fresh drifts, hollow slabs, or shooting cracks as clear indications of unstable wind loaded slopes. 

Regions covered