Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago.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

Highlights

Triggering an avalanche remains possible mainly in the upper elevations on specific terrain in open and exposed slopes where previous wind loading has occurred. Variable winds over the last few days have deposited recent snow across a variety of aspects creating firm cohesive slabs. Look for signs of instability such as cracking. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs formed from a variety of wind directions may still be sensitive to triggering up to 2 feet in depth across an array of aspects in the upper elevations. The Tetons picked up just under 2 feet of snow over the last 5 days with moderate winds out of the west to southeast. Warm temperatures above and near freezing from the last two days will likely make these slabs difficult to trigger. Upper elevations are the primary concern, which experienced the largest loading events and lowest temperatures. Be aware that incoming snowfall today could cover these old slabs making them difficult to identify. 

    (1/12/2023)

    Cracking, an obvious sign of instability. 

Avalanche Discussion

Mindset is an important factor in decision making when traveling in avalanche terrain. By gathering information, we can assess what terrain to choose based on current snowpack conditions. In the Tetons, many folks have been stepping out into more complex terrain during the first half of January. Warm temperatures the last two days increased uncertainty and created interesting conditions. This rapid warming did not seem strong enough to create widespread instability. Those temperatures also helped bond the recent snow and decrease the snow available for transport. Which leads us to the main concern of stubborn wind slabs formed over the last several days that may still be lingering in specific terrain mainly in upper elevations. Our mindset may be somewhere between stepping out again or maintaining the status quo. The next storm system will bring 4-8 inches of snow. Make sure to constantly reassess terrain choice during these times of rapid changing conditions and alter your mindset accordingly.

Regions covered