Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 11 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Areas of instability in the form of deep persistent slabs exists at the mid and upper elevations. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist because once triggered these hard to predict slides are likely to be large and carry severe consequences. Incorporate a wide margin of safety in managing this hazard and stick to slopes that are not prone to avalanche activity. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    The potential for humans to trigger deep slab avalanches with depths to five feet continues. If triggered these dangerous slabs will fail on a deeply buried layer of faceted snow that persist on all aspects above 7500 feet. These slabs could be triggered by a single person hitting a shallow weak spot or more easily by larger triggers such as snowmachines or groups of skiers. Previous tracks are not an indication of stability. Deep persistent slab avalanches are the most difficult avalanche problem to assess, predict and manage. They can remain unstable for weeks or months.

Avalanche Discussion

Dry and clear conditions are in store for Friday as high pressure builds over the area and inversion conditions develop. Temperatures will be coldest in the valleys with morning temperatures near twenty below zero. Morning fog and low clouds are likely to develop over the Jackson and Star Valleys. High elevations should start in the single digits and warm into the upper teens. The general avalanche hazard is expected to Moderate. Make no mistake, although the likelihood of triggering has lessened, the weak snow is preserved and large dangerous avalanches could still be triggered by one person who hits a particularly weak spot in the snowpack. These slabs are even more susceptible to failure by larger triggers such as snowmobiles or groups of skiers. Persistent weak layers demand conservative decision making and a wide margin of safety is warranted.

Regions covered