Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Surface slabs formed by new snow and strong winds over the last week could be triggered by riders or skiers at all elevations and all aspects today in steep avalanche terrain. Rising temperatures and periods of sunlight will increase the sensitivity of these slabs this afternoon. A remote chance persists for slabs to fail on older weaknesses. A large trigger such as the initiation and movement of a wind slab may be necessary to cause this deeper failure. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Skiers and riders have the potential to trigger recently developed soft wind slabs on all aspects and elevations. At the higher elevations, these slabs could have depths to three feet. At the lower elevations, they lie upon faceted snow and could release up to 18 inch depths. The sensitivity of these slabs will increase today as they are weakened by warming temperatures and direct sunlight. Although the sensitivity of these slabs has generally decreased, they can still be triggered by a single rider or skier. Beware of any steep terrain with obvious areas of wind loading.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    Above 7,500 feet, hard slabs with depths to six feet lie upon persistent weak layers of faceted snow. Approximately 5 inches of moisture was recently added to the snowpack with the only activity on this layer being in paths that had released before Christmas and one slide above our forecast elevations on the Grand Teton. The last deep slab to be triggered on this layer in the Tetons was on January 2nd. Although activity on this layer is unlikely, if triggered, these slabs would carry severe consequences.

Avalanche Discussion

The thin ridge of high pressure will result in dry conditions through Saturday morning. The next system is to arrive Saturday and bring snow in the afternoon. Temperatures are to rise into the upper twenties. Southwest winds are to increase as snow develops to averages of 15-25 mph. The general avalanche hazard will be Moderate. Recently formed slabs could be triggered in steep wind loaded terrain to depths of three feet at the higher elevations. A very slight chance also continues for failure near the base of the snowpack. If triggered, these deep slabs would result in large, dangerous hard slab avalanches.

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