Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The potential exists for backcountry travelers to trigger small wind slabs as well as large persistent slab avalanches at the mid and upper elevations.  These avalanches could be large, involving snow that fell last weekend or small, involving just wind blown surface snow. New snow that is to fall this afternoon could increase the size and sensitivity of the current wind slabs. Watch for areas where the recent snow appears to have been loaded, especially along ridge crests and in steep, cliffy terrain and couloirs to avoid the surface instabilities. Evaluating the deeper concerns requires a more thorough snowpack evaluation. Avalanches at low elevations are not expected today. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    The snow that fell between the 26th and 28th of January has settled into  2-3 foot thick slabs that can be soft or hard, depending on location. This snow lies on top of weak snow and slick crusts that formed prior to the major storm event, especially on slopes with a southerly component in aspect. The likelihood of triggering this layer has decreased yet could still occur in very steep terrain that was loaded during the storm event.   If considering steep terrain, take the time to look at the top portion of the snowpack and access the interface below last weeks storm to help to determine whether the weakness is present. 

    DEEP PERSISTENT SLAB: Additionally, a deeper weak layer persists in middle and upper elevations on southeast through west aspects. Triggering an avalanche on this layer is very unlikely as this layer appears to be dormant; however, a very slight risk remains for larger loads such as another triggered avalanche or a group of people in very steep terrain to impact a thin spot and trigger this deeper weak layer. The resulting avalanche could be up to five feet thick and carry severe consequences. 

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Slabs formed by winds that have varied in direction but were southerly overnight, lie in steep terrain at the upper elevations. This morning, these slabs could have depths of six to ten inches and will increase in size and sensitivity this afternoon as new snow is deposited on them. 

Avalanche Discussion

Avalanche danger is Moderate right now, and arguably on the low side of Moderate.  That is a time when people can let their guard down because the persistent slab problem has become fairly unreactive. Be diligent about considering where that problem may lurk and take the time to evaluate it. Be particular cautious of very steep starting zones that recieved sunlight and formed crusts a few days before the last storm. Managing the surface instability is more straightforward. Look for areas of recent loading and avoid them completely in high consequence terrain. 

Regions covered