Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Triggering an avalanche is possible in steep, wind loaded terrain at the upper elevations. Additionally, small wet loose avalanches are possible on sunny aspects as the day warms. Be careful around and under large cornices as a failure could trigger a very large avalanche breaking on deeply buried weak layers. These avalanche problems will be most hazardous during the warmest part of the day.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs with depths up to 2 feet are still lingering in steep, wind loaded terrain at the upper elevations. These slabs have become less sensitive to human triggers over the past few days, however, triggering one of these slabs may still be possible on very steep, loaded slopes. Obvious signs of instability such as cracking or collapsing may not be present as you approach a wind loaded slope. Watch for stiff wind affected snow that may have a distinct "punchy" slab if you probe or dig. Wind slabs will become more reactive during the heat of the day.

    Cornice Falls: Warm temperatures and sunshine today will increase the potential for cornice falls. Give cornices a wide margin and be careful along ridgelines as they can break further back than expected. Limit exposure under cornices, particularly in the afternoon. Cornice falls are the most likely way to trigger a very large persistent slab avalanche. Check out this observation highlighting recent Cornice Falls.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1

    Mostly sunny skies and warm temperatures will decreasestability on sunlit aspects by the afternoon. Watch for snow surfaces to become wet and easier to penetrate as a sign of wet looseavalanche potential. These avalanches will be small but could knock you off your feet or machine in steep terrain. The snow around rocks and cliffs will warm up earlier in the day resulting in more activity. Upper elevation wet loose activity will be isolated to southerly aspects that are steep and rocky.

    (3/9/2024)

    Wet loose avalanche in steep, rocky terrain in GTNP.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak snow formed in December is persisting 3-5+ feet deep below hard slabs. These weak layers have been tested over the last several weeks with 70” of snow containing 7.5” of water since March 1st (Raymer weather station, JHMR). Numerous avalanches occurred during the most recent storm cycle that failed on these weak layers. Many were likely triggered by cornice falls (Treasure Mountain). Significant loading events and large triggers, such as cornice falls, have been able to produce very large avalanches on these layers. It is unlikely that a human will impact these weak layers. Still, terrain that is most hazardous includes very steep, hanging snowfields above cliffs and rocky or notably shallow slopes. Keep in mind that a large windslab release orcornice fall could trigger one of these very large avalanches. Limiting your overhead exposure to these hazards is a smart move.

    (3/6/2024) Crown of a very large (D3) avalanche in the South Fork Teton Canyon. This slide was triggered by a cornice fall on the right side of the photo. The avalanche occurred in steep, rocky NE-facing terrain at 9400' and ran 2400' to the valley floor and broke many mature trees.

    Photo: Cameron Galt

Avalanche Discussion

Hints of spring are in the air. The past few days have been mild and sunny, and we all lost an hour of sleep last night. As we transition towards spring, it’s important to remember that avalanche hazard this time of year is often dictated by daytime heating. Today is a taste of what is to come. Any lingering wind slabs at the upper elevations will become more sensitive as the day warms and the sun becomes more intense. Loose sluffs will begin around midday in steep, sunny terrain and may grow larger in the afternoon. Furthermore, cornices will have the greatest chance of failing, potentially triggering a very large persistent slab avalanche, during the heat of the day. All of this is to say that the avalanche hazard today will be at its peak during the afternoon. Fortunately, you can mitigate your exposure to these hazards with some simple tactics...

  • Carefully assess steep wind loaded terrain, especially in the afternoon.
  • Get an early start. 
  • Move to shaded slopes if surfaces become wet.
  • Give cornices a wide margin. Don’t linger underneath heavily corniced ridgelines.

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