Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Strong winds yesterday combined with new snow continued to build wind slabs above 9,000'. Wind slabs were reactive yesterday and these fresh wind slabs may be sensitive to triggering again today. Look for signs of instability, like shooting cracks, wind affected surface textures, before committing to steep slopes. Human triggered avalanches will be possible in steep, wind loaded terrain, especially on sunlit slopes this afternoon.

Avalanche activity on low elevation buttes is unlikely today due to the hard freeze overnight. Continue to consider the impact of sunshine on slopes this afternoon as temperatures rise.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs up to a 18" thick were triggered or showed signs of reacitvity yesterday. Most reports indicated that the warm snow and strong winds created slabs on the reactive side of the sensitivity scale rather than touchy.  However, observed buried surface facets on a crust on a SE aspect of Mavericks which support the idea that some of the wind slabs, like the one triggered on Wimpy's shown at right, may be failing on a weaker layer than just new snow. Look for this layer and consider if it may turn an otherwise firm and apparently stubborn slab into something that you can trigger today. Additionally, you will find fresh wind slabs in the lee of west winds today. These winds were much more moderate than mid-storm winds making it likely that these slabs will be softer, possibly more sensitive and most likely under a foot thick. Your likely to find both wind slab problems located primarily in the upper elevations where snowfall yesterday was more intense.

    Note that the avalanche problem rose includes solar aspects at mid-elevations due to the potential for heating of wind/storm slabs this afternoon. Monitor temps and solar input onto steep slopes and beware of signs of dampening of snow surfaces. This will make slabs more reactive.

     

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    (3/15/2023)

    This avalanche was triggered from a distance yesterday on Wimpy's.

Avalanche Discussion

Buried small facets were observed on a temperature crust beneath the new snow and wind slab yesterday at 9300' on a SE aspect on Maverick. Most areas of wind slab were glued on and generally stubborn though some short, shooting cracks made several reporting parties give a wide berth to larger, unsupported slopes. Snow continued in the afternoon on lighter winds and may make surface clues for the slightly older wind slab challenging. Ski quality was terrible below 8500' even on shady aspects. Bring a knee brace. 

The Feb 18 crust/facet combo is now buried around a meter deep at the upper elevations, and closer to 2 feet at the lower elevations. The last known avalanche on this layer occured on February 23 in the Tetons. 

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