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

At the mid and upper elevations, stiff wind slabs could be triggered by backcountry travelers in steep, wind-loaded terrain. As the day warms, sunshine could make these slabs more susceptible to failure on sunlit aspects, particularly in areas that are protected from the wind and collect heat. Cautious route finding and careful snowpack evaluation will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain today. At low elevations, wet slides will become possible during the heat of the day.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Very strong southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds have continued to redistribute snow from windward to leeward slopes. With this transport of snow, wind slabs have become more stiff and increased in depth and volume. Skiers and riders could trigger these slabs to depths of 30 inches in steep, wind-loaded terrain at the mid and upper elevations. With yesterday's wind event, watch out for pockets of new wind slab in unusual places.

Avalanche Discussion

High pressure will control the weather. This pattern will bring dry conditions and lead to warming temperatures. Skies will be mostly sunny on Monday. Northwest winds will continue but slowly decrease. Overnight temperatures will be in the mid-teens. Daytime highs will rise to near 30 degrees at all elevations. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at all elevations. At the mid and upper elevations pockets of hard and soft wind slab one to two feet in depth could be human triggered in steep avalanche starting zones, steep couloirs and cliff areas. Wet slides are possible on steep sunlit aspects especially at the lower elevations. Deeper hard slabs, two to five feet in depth, could be human triggered in avalanche terrain in the Togwotee Pass area. Abundant sunshine and warm temperatures will increase the hazard as the day progresses. Deep slabs are not likely in the Grays River and the Teton areas, however this snowpack has not yet been subjected to the warming that will occur tomorrow and caution is advised.

Regions covered