Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Mountain temperatures are starting out around 15 degrees warmer than yesterday morning. Skiers and riders venturing onto very steep, avalanche prone slopes above 9,000 feet could trigger small to large wind slabs. As the day warms, the likelihood of triggering these slabs will increase, and the possibility of wet slides involving the recent snowfall could develop. Warming temperatures will also increase the likelihood of cornice failures. Skies are forecasted to be overcast through the majority of the day. However, if cloud cover dissipates earlier than expected, the threat of both dry slab avalanches and wet slides could significantly increase. Monitor weather conditions, and be willing to come back another day if conditions warrant. Below 9,000 feet, the underlying snowpack beneath the recent snowfall has undergone numerous melt-freeze cycles, and significant avalanche activity is unlikely.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    In very steep avalanche terrain above 9,000 feet, the chance for skiers and riders to trigger wind slabs up to two feet in depth will be on the increase as the day warms, particularly if sunny skies dominate. Above 10,500 feet, colder temperatures have kept the snowpack in a winter state in most areas, and the release of wind slabs involving older, deeper snow remains possible. Be especially wary of terrain where a dry, winter snowpack is in the beginning stages of thawing.

Avalanche Discussion

As the aforementioned upper level low pressure system tracks eastward towards the four corners, a few scattered showers could develop in the Southwest Trails forecast zone. This weather pattern will result in more cloud cover down south and partly cloudy skies up north. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the mid-20s before rising to near 40 in the afternoon. Easterly ridgetop winds will back to the northeast and increase to 20 to 30 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate above 9,000 feet on Friday. Up there, skiers and riders might be able to trigger recently developed wind slabs up to two feet deep in very steep, avalanche-prone terrain that has not undergone significant warming. As the day warms, the likelihood of triggering these slabs will increase along with the possibility of cornice failures. Shallow, wet loose slides will likely develop on sunlit aspects, and the spontaneous release of wet slabs could develop during the heat of the day. If skies are mostly clear throughout the day, the increase in hazard will be accelerated. Get an early start, monitor the effect that warming temperatures and sunshine have on the snowpack, and plan to either transition to cooler terrain or turn around if snow surfaces become saturated. Below 9,000 feet, the underlying snowpack beneath the recent snowfall has undergone numerous melt-freeze cycles, and significant avalanche activity is unlikely.

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