Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 10 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

VERY DANGEROUS AVALANCHE CONDITIONS EXIST. TRAVEL IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED. Since Feb 2nd, over six feet of snow containing over 9 inches or moisture has fallen at high elevations in the Tetons. Increasing temperatures over the last few days has resulted in rain falling up to an elevation of approximately 8500 feet yesterday and last night. The rain has greatly weakened the mid and low elevation snowpack making natural wet slide activity likely this morning. At higher elevations wind slabs could release naturally as they are further loaded by continued snowfall. Once initiated, any slide is likely to entrain large volumes of snow. All run out zones should be avoided today. Yesterday natural avalanches closed Hoback Canyon and Snake River Canyon(which remains closed this morning). Teton Pass remains closed and likely was impacted by more slides. A snowmobiler was killed by an avalanche on Black Mountain near Alpine yesterday. Our condolences go out to the friends and family of the victim. The avalanche warning for the area remains effect through 1am Saturday.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    2–3

    Very strong southwest to west winds over the past week have formed slabs and continue to load them in the backcountry. These slabs could release on density breaks throughout the storm cycle with depths of six inches to as much as four feet at the higher elevations. These slabs will be very sensitive to human triggers and are likely to release naturally today at the high elevations. Once triggered, they could run long distances and entrain the wet snow at the lower elevations. Continued snowfall will increase their likelihood of failure today above 9000 feet.

  • Wet Slabs

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

    The snowpack at the mid and low elevations has been weakened by rain. Natural avalanche activity in the form of wet slab and wet loose is activity is likely. Human venturing into steep terrain below 8500 feet will easily trigger these events. This hazard could decrease today as forecast temperatures are to lower, bringing the snow line to the valley floor.

Avalanche Discussion

The stream of moist air from the southwest will shift to the east, and snowfall will decrease over the area from the northwest to the southeast. Overnight temperatures in the mountains will be in the mid teens before rising into the upper teens during the day. The valleys will drop into the low 20s by the early morning hours and remain below freezing throughout the day. Westerly ridgetop winds will range from 20 to 30 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard could drop to Considerable on Saturday depending on the amount of new snow received overnight and the degree to which temperatures cool. Skiers and riders venturing into avalanche terrain will still be likely to trigger large to very large avalanches with slab depths up to four feet. If the hazard remains High, TRAVEL IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED.

Regions covered