Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

At the mid and upper elevations, skiers and riders have some potential of triggering large persistent slab avalanches on steep slopes where early season, faceted layers exist near the base of the snowpack. Carefully evaluate the terrain and identify areas where these faceted layers could be present. The snowpack is mostly stable at the lower elevations, and avalanches are unlikely.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Weak, basal layers of faceted snow are still a concern, and backcountry travelers could trigger persistent slab avalanches with depths ranging from two to four feet. These layers, which formed prior to Thanksgiving, can be found on all aspects above 9,000 feet and westerly through northerly to easterly aspects between 8,000 and 9,000 feet. While avalanches are possible on steep slopes in these areas, reported or observed avalanche activity over the last two weeks has primarily occurred on northwesterly through northerly to easterly aspects between 8,500 and 10,500 feet.

Avalanche Discussion

Expect some breaks to occur in the cloud cover tonight and clearing skies after sunrise. Temperatures will be in the single digits above and below zero and will rise into the teens. Winds will remain light from the northwest.A persistent weak layer near the base of the snowpack is still a concern at the mid and upper elevations where the general avalanche hazard is moderate. The likelihood for a person to trigger a large slab avalanche on that layer is decreasing very slowly. However, some steep slopes may still be unstable. Due to the potential consequences of being caught in a large slab avalanche and the uncertainties associated with persistent weak layers, conservative terrain choices are warranted. Persistent slab avalanches up to 4 feet in depth are most likely to be triggered on east through north to northwest aspects between an elevation of 8,500 and 10,5000 feet. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.

Regions covered