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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect through 11 AM this morning. Sustained snowfall and moderately strong ridgetop winds have created dangerous avalanche conditions. At the mid and upper elevations, skiers and riders could easily trigger small to large wind slabs in steep, wind loaded terrain. Loose snow sluffs will be possible on slopes less affected by the wind. Continued snowfall this morning will further load persistent weak layers of faceted snow deeper in the snowpack. These large slabs could be triggered directly by backcountry travelers or indirectly by stepping down from the release of a wind slab. Any breaks in cloud cover in the afternoon could make these slabs more susceptible to failure on sunlit aspects. Natural activity will also be possible. At the lower elevations, backcountry travelers could trigger slab avalanches one to two feet in depth. Expert snowpack evaluation and route selection skills will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Since Wednesday, the Tetons have received 10 to 14 inches of new snow. Southerly to southwesterly ridgetop winds averaged 20 miles per hour, and new wind slabs have formed in leeward terrain. These wind slabs reside just above firm sun crusts, surface hoar and near surface facets. Yesterday, these slabs were reactive to ski cuts, and backcountry travelers are likely to trigger these slabs to depths of one to two feet today. These newly developed wind slabs also have the potential of releasing naturally.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Over the past two days, an inch to an inch and a half of snow water equivalent has been added to persistent weak layers of faceted snow. Above 7,500 feet, this load has increased the likelihood of triggering dangerous slab avalanches with depths increasing to two to four feet. These slabs could also release naturally. The snowpack is comprised of mostly faceted snow below 7,500 feet, and skiers and riders could trigger persistent slabs with depths of one to two feet.

Avalanche Discussion

After a brief lull overnight and into Saturday, light snowfall will return to the region during the day. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near 10 degrees before rising into the low 20s in the afternoon. Westerly ridgetop winds will range from 15 to 25 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Considerable on Saturday. In the Tetons, skiers and riders could easily trigger recently formed wind slabs one to two feet in depth in steep, wind loaded terrain above 7,500 feet. Deeper wind slabs are likely in areas that received greater amounts of snowfall in the Southwest Trails area. Persistent slabs remain a concern, particularly in the Salt River Range. These slabs, with depths of two to four feet, could be triggered directly by backcountry travelers or indirectly after stepping down from the release of a wind slab. Natural activity may remain possible. Below 7,500 feet, skiers and riders could trigger slab avalanches one to two feet in depth. Don’t let powder fever lure you into compromising terrain; expert snowpack evaluation and route selection skills will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.

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