Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist at the mid and upper elevations. Yesterday, a skier intentionally triggered a three foot deep slide on Chicken Scratch on Teton Pass. Similar large to very large persistent slab avalanches are likely today in steep terrain. A snowboarder also triggered a slide on a low angle slope in Avalanche Bowl. Remember, previous tracks are not an indication of stability with a persistent slab avalanche problem. These avalanches can be triggered remotely, and terrain below steep slopes should also be avoided.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Persistent weak layers, which include faceted snow near the base of the snowpack and buried surface hoar, exist in terrain that held snow prior to Sunday November 24th. This terrain generally includes all aspects above 9,000 feet and northerly slopes down to 8,000 feet. Skiers and riders venturing into these areas are likely to trigger slab avalanches up to three feet deep. To avoid this hazard, knowledge of the extent and distribution of the weak faceted layers of concern will be essential.

Avalanche Discussion

Wednesday is to be mostly clear and dry with temperatures in single digits at all elevations in the morning, rising into the twenties in the mountains and into the low thirties in the valleys. Ridgetop winds are to be southwesterly at ten to twenty miles per hour. The general avalanche hazard will continue to be CONSIDERABLE above 8500 feet and LOW below that elevation. In any higher terrain underlain by old snow, an unstable snowpack exists and skiers and riders have the potential to trigger slab avalanches in steep avalanche terrain. These slabs could release remotely while being approached from ridges above the slope or from flat terrain in their run out zones. Be aware that the lack of new snow has not significantly lowered the avalanche threat. Below 8500 or in any terrain where the recent snow lies directly on the ground, avalanches are unlikely except for in very steep, smooth terrain.

Regions covered