Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

It will be possible to trigger an avalanche large enough to bury, injure or kill you today in steep terrain.  Avalanches up to 4 feet involving recent or older snow are most likely on steep slopes (above 30°) on the north half of the compass.  Use caution around thin rocky areas or slopes affected by the wind where impacting weak layers is more likely.  Tracks are not always a sign of stable snow, and avalanches remain possible after multiple people ride a slope.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    Weak snow layers persist in the snowpack. Test pits continue to show propagation in the top 3 feet of snow at middle and upper elevations.  Lower elevations now have a snow height of 3 to 4 feet at 7500' on northern aspects with buried weak layers present. Snowpack evaluation is essential to determine if weak layers exist on a slope.  This problem is more likely to be found on west through north through east aspects and could be up to 4 feet deep at higher elevations. Triggering an avalanche is more likely in areas where the overlying slab is thinner and buried weak layers are impacted more easily  - think steep rocky slopes and wind-affected areas. A slope could fail when impacted by the first person or after it has been crossed many times. Use caution and realize that tracks are not always an indication of stability. 

    The Tetons could receive 5 -9 inches by tonight, with west winds gusting up to 30 mph. If you are out late up high in a windy location, watch for drifting and cracking in exposed areas.

    Pit from 12/30.

    Snow height was 6 ft.

    Photo: Travis Baldwin

Avalanche Discussion

Observations continue to show buried weaknesses in the snowpack. As the snowpack continues to adjust to the storm that started on 12/26, avalanches are becoming less sensitive to failure on these weak layers and within the storm cycle layering. 

Moderate avalanche danger does not mean it is time to step out onto bigger, steeper slopes. Large avalanches - big enough to bury, injure, or kill you - are still possible in the areas mentioned above. Stepping the avalanche danger down from considerable to moderate is an indication that it is becoming less likely to trigger an avalanche as the snowpack adjusts. The problem still exists, and digging down to investigate is essential if heading into steep terrain. Consider the consequence if the slope you want to ride avalanches and remember that tracks are not always a sure sign of stable snow.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

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