Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Temperatures are starting out around 10 degrees warmer than yesterday, and most stations are at their 24 hour maximum. Overnight temperatures also remained above freezing into the mid elevations. In the past 24 hours, strong southwesterly ridgetop winds continued, and close to an inch of snow water equivalent was added to the higher elevations of the Tetons. While skiers and riders could trigger slab avalanches on density breaks within the recent snowfall, the primary concern will be persistent slab avalanches. At the mid and upper elevations, skiers and riders could easily trigger these large slabs in steep, avalanche prone terrain. Natural activity might be possible. Lower down, smaller persistent slabs and wet slides will be likely, particularly if significant rain occurs. Monitor temperatures, make conservative terrain choices and be wary of rain on snow events.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2

    Since the end of an extended dry period on December 11th, the higher elevations of the Tetons have received close to four inches of snow water equivalent. Beneath that snowfall, the snowpack varies significantly. In the higher elevations, buried sun crusts and faceted snow provide sliding surfaces and weak layers, and backcountry travelers could easily trigger persistent slab avalanches ranging in depth from 18 to 36 inches on steep, avalanche prone slopes. Lower down, where the snowpack is shallower, the recent snowfall resides above crusts, buried surface hoar and well developed facets down to the ground. With above freezing temperatures and the potential for valley rain, human triggered and natural avalanche activity will be possible in the lower elevations with slab depths ranging from 6 to 18 inches.

Avalanche Discussion

After a night with lingering mountain clouds, the next round of moisture is to occur on Tuesday. The Tetons could see an additional 6 inches, the Salts 4-5” and Togwotee Pass should see 2-4”. Winds will remain gusty overnight and are to be very strong during the day with averages near 40 mph and gusts at least into the sixties. These winds are to be westerly during the storm. Temperatures are to remain on the warm side but not be as warm as today, with mountain highs in the twenties and valleys reaching the thirties. The general avalanche danger on Tuesday will be Considerable above 7500 feet in the Teton and Southwest trails areas and Moderate below that elevation in those areas and at all elevations in the Togwotee Pass area. Persistent weaknesses that were buried on December 11th are prevalent throughout avalanche terrain in western Wyoming. Slabs with depths to three feet could be easily triggered in the higher elevations of the Teton and Southwest areas while smaller slabs are possible elsewhere. The predicted snowfall and very strong winds will further load and increase the sensitivity of these slabs as well as form new shallow wind slabs on leeward slopes.

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