Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 10 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist at the upper elevations. Vary large hard slabs continue to be loaded by steady westerly winds and remain unstable. These destructive slabs could be triggered by the weight of a person. Survival would be unlikely. Surface slabs formed during the most recent storm event could also be human triggered at the mid and upper elevations. Conservative terrain choices and expert route selection skills are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    3

    At the upper elevations dangerous hard slabs lie upon weak, faceted snow and crust near the base of the snowpack. These instabilities exist on westerly through northerly to easterly aspects. Recent natural activity has occurred on this persistent weak layer. These slabs could triggered by skiers and riders with depths to five feet. Multiple tracks on a suspect slope should not be considered to be an indication of stability

  • Wind Slabs

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

    At the mid and upper elevations surface slabs one to three feet in depth formed by southwesterly to west-northwesterly winds could be human triggered in steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones

Avalanche Discussion

Another strong Pacific storm system will bring heavy snow and strong winds to our forecast area. Moderate to heavy snowfall will develop overnight and continue into Tuesday evening. This snowfall will be accompanied by strong winds with gusts to 55 miles per hour. Snowfall accumulations of more than a foot are likely in the Teton Range. Lesser but significant amounts are expected in the other ranges. Temperatures will warm into the 20s during this snowfall event.Heavy snowfall and strong winds will create new wind slabs on leeward aspects and increase the load on persistent deep slabs. This new load will increase the sensitivity of these dangerous deep slabs to human triggers and could result in natural releases. West to southwest winds will create new soft slabs that will increase in depth and volume as the day progresses. These wind slabs will become increasingly sensitive to human triggers during the day. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE at the upper elevations, MODERATE at the mid elevations and LOW at the lower elevations when the day begins. The hazard at all elevations will increase as the day progresses.

Regions covered