Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

It will be possible to trigger avalanches that are 1-3 feet deep. Steep, shaded terrain at the middle and upper elevations is the most likely place to produce a large avalanche. Be on the lookout for pockets of wind-drifted snow in exposed terrain. Carefully evaluate the snowpack structure before committing to a slope. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Southerly winds redistributed recent snow and built slabs 1-2 feet thick on lee slopes and in crossloaded terrain at upper elevations. Watch for signs of wind-loading, including dense or hollow-sounding drifts. Cracking is a good indication that you have found unstable snow. Soft slabs involving recent snow will be the easiest to find, but it is possible that a small avalanche could step down to deeper weak layers in the snowpack, resulting in a larger avalanche.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Slabs of cohesive snow 1-3 feet thick overlay weak, faceted snow above 7,500’. The potential to trigger an avalanche at this interface is most likely on slopes on the northern half of the compass above 8,500’.  On sunny slopes, the distribution of weak snow (crusts and facets) under the slab is patchy, but avalanches remain possible.  Collapsing the weak layer in steep, rocky, or unsupported terrain is the best way to trigger one of these avalanches. Remember that a slope can be ridden several times before a particular spot is impacted. South-facing slopes that were bare ground before Dec 15th hold a generally more stable snowpack. Dig down to assess the snowpack and locate weak, sugary snow.

    If you are uncertain about the structure of the snowpack where you are skiing or riding, the best way to avoid triggering an avalanche is to seek out low-angle terrain.

    (12/20/2024)

    This large natural avalanche likely occurred 12/16-12/17 on Rockchuck Peak in an NE-E aspect around 10600'. 

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

It looks like Santa is a day late with the next storm - that's OK, he's been working overtime recently, and I can wait one more day for powder. While warm temperatures have helped increase the strength of the snowpack, the poor structure still exists in many locations.  Investigate the snowpack while you are out today, and let us know what you find. This will help paint a picture of the problem. The next storm is on our doorstep and will add a significant load to the snowpack. Continue to travel one at a time through avalanche terrain and consider the consequences of getting caught. While the riding has improved above 8000 feet, remember that it is still a thin snowpack at lower elevations when you exit the mountains. Watch for shallow coverage, rocks, and logs on your way back to the plum pudding.

Merry Christmas!

 

 

 

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