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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago.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

The possibility for skiers and riders to trigger avalanches continues, particularly at the upper elevations. Avoid steep rocky terrain where wind loading occurs. Snowpack evaluation can be helpful to identifying where weak layers persist, however predicting failure is difficult as thin/weak spots may exist mid slope. The near miss that occurred on Friday is reflective of the current avalanche danger. (see observation page).

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Slabs lie over weak layers of snow that were formed in November. Slab depths to 4 feet are possible at the upper elevations with slabs of 2 to 3 feet possible in the upper portion of the mid elevations. These slabs are likely to be hard and could release to larger loads such as groups of people or when a thin spot on the slope is impacted. Avoid terrain that continues to receive new snow from wind transport. Avalanches at lower elevations are unlikely at this time.  

Avalanche Discussion

Mostly dry and cold conditions have been slowly making it less likely to trigger an avalanche in the Tetons. The weak layers of concern, mainly focused on faceted snow that was covered on or before the 26th of November are widespread but observations, test results, and general lack of recent avalanche activity indicate that most slopes are stable. The problem is that lingering areas of instability exist as portrayed by the accident on Friday. Wind loaded, rocky areas could have weak points that if impacted, could result in large avalanches. Under this scenario, a few tracks do not indicate stability as they may have simply not hit the weak button. Practice safe travel techniques such as only exposing one person at a time and take a look into the snow to identify the presence of weak layers.

Regions covered