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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Highlights

Recent avalanche activity means avalanches are likely. Yesterday in the Tetons, a group remote triggered a large slide on Teton Pass. There were also many observations of natural avalanches that occurred during the previous 48 hours. As the snowpack continues to adjust to the abundant snowfall from the month of February, it is possible for a single person to trigger a large to very large slab avalanche that will most likely have severe or deadly consequences. Sunshine warming solar slopes and strong ridgetop winds will increase the potential for avalanches. Cautious route-finding and avoiding steep avalanche terrain are essential for those who want to return home safely.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Increasing westerly to southwesterly winds throughout the day will continue to form wind slabs at the mid and upper elevations. These surface slabs could be 1 to 3 feet deep and recently formed wind slabs will be more sensitive to triggers. Today's sunshine may increase the sensitivity of these wind slabs to human triggers. These wind slab avalanches could step down and trigger a much larger deep persistent slab avalanche.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    Persistent deep slab avalanches are a serious concern. These dangerous avalanches could be triggered by backcountry travelers or occur naturally. They could also step down from the release of a wind slab avalanche. Persistent slab avalanche depths will likely be between 4 and 8 feet above an elevation of 7,500 feet. If you are caught in one of these destructive slides, you will most likely not survive. Below 7,500 feet, these persistent slab avalanches are likely to range in depth from 2 to 4 feet.

Avalanche Discussion

Snow will increase overnight and continue through the day and into the next night. Favored areas may get six inches by daybreak. Snowfall totals of 8 to 16 inches at the higher elevations and 4 to 6 inches at the lower elevations are likely by Saturday morning. Temperatures will be in the single digits and teens in the mountains and in the teens and 20’s at the lower elevations. West-southwest winds will increase to 20 to 30 with gusts over 40 miles per hour and may create extensive areas of blowing snow. Strong winds and new snow will form new wind slabs on leeward aspects that will gain depth and volume as this storm progresses. These slabs are likely to be easily triggered by skiers and riders and will be large enough to bury or kill a person. In areas were the snow structure is poor this snow and wind is likely to create very dangerous conditions. In these areas large, destructive avalanches are likely. These un-survivable deep slab avalanches are expected to be four to eight feet deep. The general avalanche hazard is expected to increase to high. In the past 8 days there has been an avalanche fatality in each of our three forecast zones. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended during periods of high avalanche hazard. Please be careful. Your terrain decisions could end your life.

Regions covered