Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Skiers and riders have the potential to trigger slab avalanches involving weak layers that persist under last week's snowfall or possibly deeper in the snowpack. The decrease in the danger rating is due to time and weather conditions making the natural release of slabs unlikely. However, make no mistake that these slabs could still be triggered by the weight of a single person and may be triggered remotely, particularly at the mid and high elevations where they could be large in size. At lower elevations, isolated pockets of slab could be triggered in very steep wind loaded features where the snowpack is weak and faceted. Diligence in making conservative terrain choices remains a must as the determination of stable versus unstable slopes in steep terrain is extremely difficult.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    On steep avalanche prone slopes, slab avalanches could fail on buried weak persistent layers of snow. These slabs could be small to large in size with depths up to four feet deep above 7500 feet and to eighteen inches below that elevation. Failure of the weak layer could propagate long distances, meaning some slopes could be triggered from well below steep terrain or their release may be more stubborn and not fail until a person has committed to a steep decent. These slabs may become slightly more sensitive this afternoon as they are further weakened by increasing temperatures and direct sunlight.

Avalanche Discussion

Inversion conditions with sub-zero temperatures are expected in the morning at all elevations. Skies will be mostly sunny during the day as breezy conditions bring in warmer air that may help to break down the inversion. Highs are to reach the twenties at higher elevations and the thirties in the valleys. The general avalanche hazard is to remain Moderate above 7500 feet and low below that elevation. The chance continues for skiers or riders to trigger slab avalanches in the backcountry. These slabs could be hard or soft and have depths to four feet in higher elevation terrain. At low elevations, isolated pockets of slab to eighteen inch depths could be triggered. These slabs could become more sensitive during the afternoon as they are weakened by sunlight and increasing temperatures. The trend continues for these slabs to generally become less sensitive but make no mistake that areas of instability exist and human triggered slides remain possible.

Regions covered