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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Out of date — this forecast expired 11 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Around four inches of new snow fell overnight, and an additional four to eight is expected during the day. Strong southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds will accompany this weather event, and temperatures will continue to warm. This combination will keep avalanche conditions dangerous, and the hazard will increase during the day as snowfall accumulates. Backcountry travelers are likely to trigger wind slabs in steep, wind-loaded terrain. In more sheltered areas, loose snow sluffs are also possible. Yesterday, these wind slabs released naturally and were human triggered. These slides also have the potential to step down to faceted snow near the base of the snowpack above 7,500 feet. A conservative approach to both terrain selection and decision making will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain today.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Skiers and riders could easily trigger new and recently developed soft wind slabs on all aspects and elevations. At the higher elevations, these slabs could have depths of one to three feet and fail on old hard surfaces or density breaks within the recent snowfall. At the lower elevations, they lie upon faceted snow and could release up to 18 inches deep. Beware of steep terrain with obvious areas of wind loading. Several of these wind slabs have been reported in recent days on a variety of aspects and elevations.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    Above 7,500 feet, hard slabs with depths to six feet lie upon persistent weak layers of faceted snow. Since Wednesday night, three to three and a half inches of snow water equivalent have been added to the snowpack. Large triggers, such as groups of people, may be needed to trigger one of these slides. The release of a wind slab could also step down to these basal facets. If triggered, these slabs will carry high consequences. Continued loading throughout the day may stress these basal weak layers to the point of natural failure.

Regions covered