Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 13 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Up to 19 inches of new snow has fallen in the past 24 hours. This abundant snowfall, combined with strong westerly ridgetop winds, has created dangerous avalanche conditions. Temperatures will warm during the day, and westerly ridgetop winds will increase. As wind slabs continue to build, they are also adding weight to persistent weak layers deep within the snowpack. Loose snow sluffs, which could entrain large amounts of snow and travel long distances, will also be likely. Both human triggered and natural avalanches are likely at the upper elevations, and TRAVEL IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED. This scenario demands respect at the mid elevations, and a conservative approach should be used for travel and terrain choices. At the lower elevations, backcountry travelers could trigger pockets of shallow slab in steep, wind-loaded terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    2

    Strong west to northwest winds have formed soft wind slabs on leeward slopes at all elevations. These slabs could be triggered with depths of two to three feet at the mid and high elevations, and with depths to one foot at the lower elevations. These slabs could also release naturally, particularly near high peaks and ridge crests where the most significant loading has occurred, and where pieces of cornice may fall onto a slope. Once triggered, these wind slabs could cause deeper weaknesses in the snowpack to fail.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    3

    Weak layers of faceted snow persist deep within the snowpack. Failure of these layers will produce very large avalanches with depths up to six feet. They could be triggered directly by backcountry travelers, step down from surface slabs, or release naturally. The consequences of being caught could most likely be fatal.

Avalanche Discussion

Another three to six inches of new snow is expected overnight. Mountain temperatures will stay steady overnight and increase into the mid to upper 20s during the day. Valley highs will reach into the upper 30s. Westerly ridgetop winds will range from 25 to 35 miles per hour.If forecast amounts of new snow are correct, the general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE on Monday. However, if significantly more snow falls, the general avalanche hazard could remain HIGH. Warming temperatures and prolonged strong westerly ridgetop winds will continue to build wind slabs in leeward terrain. Backcountry travelers are likely to trigger these slabs with depths of one to three feet on steep, wind-loaded slopes. Natural activity is also possible. Failures of deep, persistent weak layers could produce very large avalanches and surviving one is unlikely. Large avalanche paths that are prone to heavy wind loading should be avoided.

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