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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 years ago.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

At the mid and upper elevations, skiers and riders still have the potential of triggering small to large persistent slab avalanches in steep, avalanche prone terrain. There is a significant amount of spatial variability associated with these persistent slabs. Many slopes are stable, some are not, and it is difficult to distinguish between the two. Your simplest tool for avoiding avalanches is to make conservative terrain choices. Shallow pockets of wind slab will also begin to develop by this evening. Mostly stable snow exists at the lower elevations. Down there, small wet slides might become possible if a rain on snow event occurs in the afternoon.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    In some areas above 7,500 feet, buried layers of surface hoar remain a concern. On steep, avalanche prone slopes, backcountry travelers could trigger persistent slab avalanches failing on these weak layers. These slabs could range in depth from one to four feet. Large grained facets exist near the base of shallow snow packs. Skiers and riders might be able to trigger a slab avalanche involving the basal facets on isolated terrain features below 7,500 feet.

Avalanche Discussion

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory effective until noon on Sunday. The heaviest snowfall is expected overnight with the Tetons being favored where 6 to 10 inches of new snow could accumulate by Sunday morning. Snowfall intensity will decrease as the day progresses. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the upper teens before rising into the upper 20s in the afternoon. Southwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 20 to 30 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate above 7,500 feet on Sunday. While the hazard rating may not change, the likelihood for avalanche activity will be on the rise. Considerable hazard might develop in the Tetons if the snowfall forecast is exceeded. Overnight, new wind slabs with depths ranging from 6 to 18 inches will form in leeward terrain, and backcountry travelers could trigger these slabs on steep, wind loaded slopes. The chance for skiers and riders to trigger persistent slab avalanches, one to four feet deep, will slowly rise as weight is added to the underlying weak layers of faceted snow. These deeper slabs could also step down from the release of a wind slab. Monitor the weather, and be willing to alter your travel plans if conditions warrant. Unless an unexpected rain on snow event occurs below 7,500 feet, avalanche activity will remain unlikely.

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