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Out of date — this forecast expired 13 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

At the mid and upper elevations strong west and northwest winds during the past several days have created shallow pockets of wind slab on a varierty of aspects that have been easily triggered by skiers in steep avalanche prone terrain. Older wind slabs up to three feet in depth lie in some areas on faceted snow and could also be triggered by skiers or riders. On steep northerly aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet these slabs could step down to the ground. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recent west to northwest winds have formed pockets of dense wind slab up to two feet in depth. In addition older wind slabs up to three feet in depth remain from last weeks storm. In some areas these older slabs lie upon buried layers of faceted snow that formed in late November. If these surface slabs are triggered on steep northerly aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet they could step down to the ground.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    3

    Weak faceted snow exists at the base of the snow pack on shaded aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet. Some potential persists for humans, especially those on snowmachines to trigger dangerous hard slab avalanches to the ground on this weak persistent layer. Previous tracks should not be interpreted as a sign of stability.

Avalanche Discussion

Expect mostly clear skies on Thursday as a ridge of high pressure remains over the area. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near 10 before rising into the upper 20s during the day. Westerly ridgetop winds will range from 15 to 25 miles per hour.Above 7,500 feet, the general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE on Thursday. Backcountry travelers venturing into steep, wind loaded terrain could trigger recently developed wind slabs one to three feet in depth. On steep, northerly aspects above 9,000 feet, these slabs might be able to step down to weak, faceted snow near the base of the snowpack. Warming temperatures may increase the sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers on sunlit aspects in the afternoon. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW below 7,500 and avalanches are unlikely.

Regions covered