Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

At the mid and upper elevations, backcountry riders and skiers have the potential to trigger recently formed wind slabs in very steep terrain and some potential remains to trigger large avalanches involving old weak snow buried deeper in the snowpack.  Yesterday, 2 groups of skiers/riders had a very close call when they triggered an avalanche above a large cliff area just outside the backcountry access gates to the south of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. One person was carried over the cliff yet was not injured or buried. Reports indicate the groups were unfamiliar with terrain yet descended the cliff area, that has had a history of avalanche and traumatic fatalies. The event occured during conditions with strong winds, blowing snow and poor visibility.  Regardless of back country location and amount of traffic, recreationalists are urged to exercise patience,  to look for and avoid terrain over cliffs, and to watch for signs of obvious recent wind loading. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong west winds, recent snowfall, and an increasing temperature trend have formed soft slabs that could be triggered in very steep terrain today. These slabs will be most sensitive at the upper elevations where they could have depths to two feet. Watch for areas of wind deposited snow, especially near ridge crests, and in cliff areas. Although less prominent, unstable slabs can also be found at the upper portion of the mid elevations where depths to a foot are possible. 

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    A slight chance continues for a single person to trigger large, hard slab avalanches. Although dormant in most terrain in the Tetons at this time, if triggered, these slabs could have depths of two to five feet at the upper elevations and have depths to three feet at the mid elevations. Keep in mind that tracks are not an indication of stability and these slabs could break high on a slope when a weak point is impacted mid-slope. Take a look at the deeper layers of snowpack to determine if these weak layers are present.  Avalanches are unlikely at the low elevations today.

Avalanche Discussion

Temperatures this week at the upper elevations went from -25° F to +25° F in just a matter of days. While this increase occurred, very strong winds and periods of snow continued to form new wind slabs as well as load existing weak layers within the snowpack. In the long run, this warm period and high density snow will help to strengthen the snowpack.  However, remember that rapid change always provides for periods of instability. This can be in the form of rapidly loading slabs due to winds at the upper elevations (like yesterday) or it can be from rising temperatures especially when that increase is accompanied by and further driven by direct sunlight. Although today’s forecast may not indicate  over the top warming, if skies are sunny and slopes become warmer than predicted, the existing slab problems will become more sensitive this afternoon. Traveller’s are encouraged to be aware and in tune with their surroundings, and always watch for indications that the avalanche conditions are changing.  

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