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Out of date — this forecast expired 12 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2

    Snowfall rates in the mountains exceeded two inches an hour yesterday afternoon. This snowfall was accompanied by westerly to northwesterly ridgetop winds that ranged from 30 to 45 miles per hour. This scenario produced wind slabs with depths up to two feet in wind loaded terrain. These slabs, which formed on slick sliding surfaces, could be easily triggered by backcountry travelers on a variety of aspects and elevations.

Avalanche Discussion

Expect partly cloudy to mostly clear skies on Wednesday as a high pressure builds into the region. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near 10 before rising into the mid 20s during the day. Daytime highs in the valleys will be in the mid 30s. Westerly ridgetop winds at 10 to 20 miles per hour will increase to near 30 late in the day.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE on Wednesday. Backcountry travelers could trigger pockets of wind slab six to eighteen inches in depth in steep, wind-loaded terrain. These slabs will become more sensitive to failure as the day warms. In the Togwotee Pass and Greys River areas, some potential may remain for skiers and riders to trigger deep hard slab avalanches in isolated areas. Large triggers like snowmobiles, especially multiple snowmobiles on the same slope, are more likely to trigger these dangerous slabs, which could have depths in excess of six feet. As the day progresses, shallow wet slides involving the new snow will also become possible at the lower elevations where temperatures will rise well above freezing.

Regions covered