Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Moderate to heavy snowfall continued through the day on Saturday before diminishing overnight. Skiers and riders venturing into steep, wind loaded avalanche terrain at the mid and upper elevations are likely to trigger dense slab avalanches which could fail on density breaks within the recent snowfall or on old snow surfaces in terrain that held snow from October. The chance for natural avalanche activity is decreasing, but remains possible. The hazard will decrease with a drop in elevation as snow cover from October dissipates and the effect of the wind diminishes. Careful snowpack evaluation and a cautious approach to terrain selection will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain at the higher elevations. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,000 feet where little snowfall has accumulated.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Since Wednesday evening, the Tetons have received around 40 inches of new snow containing close to four inches of snow water equivalent. Strong westerly to southwesterly ridgetop winds has accompanied this snowfall forming dense wind slabs in leeward terrain. Hard, old snow surfaces are present at the upper elevations and down to 8,000 feet on northerly aspects. Wind slabs failing on the old snow surfaces could reach depths of four feet. Failures within density breaks of the recent snowfall are also possible in leeward terrain above 8,000 feet.

Avalanche Discussion

Zonal flow aloft bringing moist, unstable air to the region will increase the chance for light to moderate snowfall Sunday night and Monday with the Tetons being most favored. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low teens before rising into the upper teens during the day. Westerly ridgetop winds will range from 20 to 30 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to remain CONSIDERABLE in the Tetons. Since Wednesday evening, less snow has accumulated in the Togwotee Pass and Southwest Trails forecast zones, and the hazard is expected to be MODERATE. The primary avalanche concern will be recently developed dense slabs failing on old snow surfaces from October. These old snow surfaces increase in extent from sunlit to shaded aspects above 9,000 feet, and dip down to 8,000 feet on north facing slopes. These slabs could exceed four feet in depth in the Tetons and be up to three feet deep in the other two forecast zones. Skiers and riders might still be able to trigger a smaller slab failing on density breaks within the recent snowfall. Evaluate the snowpack carefully and avoid slopes with obvious signs of wind loading.

Regions covered