Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Snow has begun to accumulate at Grand Targhee. At the higher elevations new snow and gusty winds winds will be forming new soft slabs on leeward aspects. These wind slabs will lie upon hard crusts and could become sensitive to human triggers, especially if a period of rapid loading occurs in association with the passage of a cold front. Monitor conditions for increasing hazard and adjust travel plans accordingly. At the lower elevations rain showers could increase the wet snow avalanche hazard before colder air moves into the region. If the snowpack is wet and lacks cohesion, avoid steep slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    At the upper elevations strong southwest to west winds are likely to form small pockets of wind slab on leeward aspects. If snowfall intensity increases for a sustained period these slabs could build to depths of 18 inches, become sensitive to human triggers and increase the avalanche hazard later in the day. At the mid elevations isolated pockets of shallow wind slab 6 to 12 inches deep may form and be human triggered in wind loaded avalanche starting zones.

Avalanche Discussion

Snow will continue across the area overnight before diminishing Sunday morning. Accumulations will favor the higher elevations of the Teton Range, which are likely to receive another 3 to 6 inches. Overnight temperatures will drop into the lower teens on the peaks and to near 20 degrees in the valleys as colder air continues to move into the region. Westerly winds will veer to the northwest with average speeds of 20 to 25 and gusts to 45 miles per hour. Colder temperatures will mitigate the wet snow avalanche hazard. At the upper elevation small pockets of wind slab 6 to 18 inches in depth could be triggered by skiers and riders who venture into steep wind-loaded avalanche starting zones. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be low except at the higher elevations of the Teton Range where the hazard will be moderate.

Regions covered