Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Today will be the first sunny day after the recent storm and the avalanche hazard will remain elevated. There is a good chance of triggering recently formed wind slabs in very steep terrain above 8,000 feet, especially as the day heats up. Some of these slabs may be large enough to bury a person. The mountains will begin to shed snow once the sun comes out making natural and human-triggered loose snow avalanches likely on steep, sunny slopes. Conservative terrain choices are recommended while the snowpack adjusts the recent storm.

We will issue our last daily Avalanche Forecast of the season for this zone on Friday, April 10th. We will issue General Avalanche Information Bulletins as needed through early May and compile 24-Hour Snow and Weather Data (aka the Big Sheet) through June 1.  

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Within the last 36 hours, moderate to strong wind out of the northwest redistributed recent snowfall and formed soft slabs 1-3 feet deep in wind-loaded terrain above 8,000 feet. These slabs will still be sensitive to the weight of a rider in very steep terrain today. Warming from the sun will increase the likelihood of triggering as the day progresses. Be on the lookout for recently formed slabs on a variety of aspects and give very steep, wind-loaded terrain a wide margin.

    (4/3/2026)

    A human-triggered wind slab south of JHMR yesterday.  About 2 feet deep with wide propagation.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Mostly clear skies and light winds are expected today. Warming from a strong April sun will moisten and destabilize snow surfaces as the day progresses. Natural and human-triggered wet loose avalanches will become likely on steep, sunny slopes. These avalanches have the potential to entrain a significant amount of snow and could catch riders off guard in confined or consequential terrain. Roller balls and damp snow on the surface are signs of warming and incoming instability. Avoid being on, or under, steep and sunny slopes once these signs are present.

    Loose snow avalanches often initiate in rocky terrain like this.  Photo from an earlier warm up this year in GTNP.

Avalanche Discussion

A five day stormy period ended yesterday with the mountains receiving several feet of much needed snow. Wind speeds were stronger than forecasted during the day yesterday with reports of blowing snow and loading down to 8,500 feet. Human-triggered wind slabs with depths to 2 feet were reported near JHMR yesterday. A large avalanche was also reported near Avalanche Bowl on Teton Pass. 

Today is expected to be mostly sunny and warmer with little wind. A classic spring powder day. While recently formed slabs have had some time to stabilize, warming from the strong April sun will decrease the strength of slabs in very steep and sunny terrain. Hard crusts from the very warm period at the end of March are sitting 2-3 feet below the recent snow. Snow is bonding to these surfaces, but is variable by aspect. North facing terrain held the lowest friction surfaces prior to this storm and avalanches failing on this interface are possible.

Wet loose avalanches will also be on the table once things get warm enough. Expect some degree of shedding to occur. Rocky terrain will heat up quickly and be the first places to shed. Today is a good day to step back and let the mountains do their thing (avalanche). Stability increases fairly quickly this time of year and the coming days should follow that trend. Enjoy the powder!

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