Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 13 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

During the previous two days large avalanches have been human triggered, explosively triggered, and a natural avalanche release has been reported. Yesterday, skiers remotely triggered large slabs on Angle Mountain, and explosive testing triggered large slabs in the Snake River Range. To date these large slabs have been releasing on approach by skiers. As these slabs become less sensitive, the likelihood that someone will be able to get out onto a slope and be swept away with potentially fatal consequences will increase. Conservative decisions regarding terrain choices are essential for safe travel in the backcountry.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Large unstable slabs two to six feet in depth exist at all elevations and could be triggered on a variety of aspects. However, east and southeast aspects have have been the most active. These dangerous slabs have been triggered remotely during the past two days, and some have failed in areas where thick deposits of wind drifted snow exist in the starting zone. Weak spots on steep rocky slopes should also be considered likely trigger points. With abundant sunshine in the forecast the sensitivity of slabs to human triggers should increase as temperatures warm. Natural avalanche releases remain a possibility.

Avalanche Discussion

A ridge of high pressure will dominate the west for the rest of the week. Steep temperatures inversions will develop with warmer air aloft and cold air pooling in the valleys. On Friday skies will be mostly clear. Temperatures at 10,500 feet will be in the mid teens at dawn and rise to near thirty degrees in the afternoon. In the valleys overnight lows will be near zero and daytime highs will rise into the upper 20s. Northwest winds are expected to finally diminish to speeds of 10 to 15 miles per hour.Large slab avalanches that have been releasing naturally or on approach will slowly gain enough strength for humans to venture onto them before they fail. This scenario has huge consequences and merits a very conservative approach to avalanche terrain. Human triggered avalanches are likely and natural releases remain a possibility. Although these dangerous slabs can be triggered during the early morning hours there are expected to be more sensitive to failure during the warmer portion of the day. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE at all elevations in all of our forecast areas.

Regions covered