Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Yesterday a snowmobiler was seriously injured when he was caught and partially buried in a slide on a southeast aspect of Mt. Leidy in the Togwotee Pass area. A snowboarder died in an avalanche in the Teton Range on Monday. Avalanche fatalities occurred on Togwotee Pass on February 18 and in the Greys River area on February 17. Several very large slab avalanches were observed to have naturally released in the Tetons yesterday. One of these was nearly 8 feet deep. Yesterday's strong winds created new wind slabs. Deep persistent slab avalanches are still a possibility. Most avalanche fatalities occur during periods of considerable or moderate hazard. It is critical that skiers and riders make terrain choices that are appropriate for today's dangerous conditions. Play it safe and come home to your friends and family.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Yesterday's strong southwest to west winds formed new wind slabs. Wind slab avalanches could be human triggered on steep slopes. At the mid and upper elevations these wind slabs could be 1 to 3 feet deep. They could be 6 to 18 inches deep at the lower elevations. Today's sunshine may increase the sensitivity of these wind slabs to human triggers. These wind slab avalanches could step down and trigger a much larger deep persistent slab avalanche.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    Persistent deep slab avalanches are a serious concern. These dangerous avalanches could be triggered by backcountry travelers or occur naturally. They could also step down from the release of a wind slab avalanche. Persistent slab avalanche depths will likely be between 4 and 8 feet above an elevation of 7,500 feet. If you are caught in one of these destructive slides, you will most likely not survive. Below 7,500 feet, these persistent slab avalanches are likely to range in depth from 2 to 4 feet.

Avalanche Discussion

Cloud cover will continue to lessen overnight as a weak ridge builds over the region. In the morning, skies are expected to be mostly clear and then clouds will develop throughout the day. Temperatures overnight will drop below zero and will then warm into the teens and 20s tomorrow. Ridgetop winds will be westerly at 10 to 25 mph. In all three forecast areas, terrain selection is imperative to avoid being caught in a dangerous and likely deadly avalanche. The avalanche hazard will remain Considerable. There is a good chance for humans to trigger slab avalanches up to 8 feet deep on avalanche-prone terrain. Although large persistent slabs are the main concern, winds slabs that formed during yesterday’s passing cold front will be more easily triggered and could step down initiating a much larger slide. The morning’s clear skies will allow for the sun to impact solar aspects and increase the potential for triggering an avalanche. The snowpack is still adjusting from a major loading event that began in early February, and during this period of adjustment, the snowpack is in flux making it more likely an individual could trigger large slides. Cautious route-finding and avoiding steep terrain are essential for those who want to return home safely.

Regions covered