Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Generally stable avalanche conditions exist, and large avalanches are unlikely. Use caution around wind slabs and drifts at upper elevations, especially in steep, high-consequence terrain. You may be able to trigger these small slabs where they rest on weaker surfaces, and some may break deeper than you expect.  

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    You'll likely find small—but potentially sensitive—wind slabs at upper elevations. Yesterday's weather system produced gusty W/NW winds in the evening (30-40 mph). The wind is expected to continue today. There is not a ton of loose snow available for transport, so any fresh wind slabs are likely to be small and isolated. However, these drifts may form on weak snow surfaces and could be easily triggered. These are unlikely to produce a big avalanche but could be enough to pull the rug out from under you and take you for a ride. We've received reports of triggered wind slabs—including a few in the last 48 hrs. In the alpine, you'll likely find the whole gambit of conditions: loose snow, sastrugi, crusts, and wind slabs. Watch for relatively smooth areas that are chalky-looking or drifted in appearance—these are bullseye visual clues. These are a problem to avoid, not mitigate—especially in consequential terrain where getting knocked off your feet or sled would be dangerous.

    (1/20/2025)

    Small slabs may be easy to trigger along winded ridgelines and exposed or cross-loaded mid-slope areas. Thanks to shifting winds, expect to find variable conditions in the alpine. 

Avalanche Discussion

While the snowpack is generally stable, low hazard is not a "turn your brain off" environment—there are a few potential concerns to keep in mind. They're not widespread or likely to produce a large avalanche, but they could be dangerous in higher-consequence terrain.

  • WIND SLABS: Ahh, the consistent, old-reliable wind slab. See above. You may find small—but potentially sensitive—wind slabs at upper elevations. Reports of skier-triggered wind slabs, though small, continue to trickle in. Some are breaking 10-12" deep along ridgelines and, though small, can pose a threat if encountering one unexpectedly or in the wrong spot. Pay close attention to surface textures like waves and ripples. 
  • LOOSE SNOW AVALANCHES: Observers have been reporting "stuffy" conditions in steep (>40 degrees) terrain protected from the wind. The several inches of new snow from earlier this week fell on weakening/faceting snow surfaces or slick crusts, and it's tended to produce small, loose snow avalanches when skiers or riders "disturb " them. 

In addition to these problems, remember that weak faceted snow exists near the ground on shaded W-NW-N-NE-E facing slopes at middle and upper elevations. This is a "monster in the basement" scenario. It's buried beneath a very dense, 3-4' thick slab, and triggering this layer would take a dose of bad luck. However, it's wise to remain leery of very steep (around 35-45 degrees) rocky slopes that have remained continuously shallow for the season. 

 

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