Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist at the upper elevations, where the weight of a single person could trigger a high consequence slab avalanche with depths to 5 feet. Yesterday, guides in the Snake River range observed evidence of widespread avalanche activity from the most recent loading event and triggered, with explosives, large to very large avalanches. At the mid-elevations, it is possible to trigger large avalanches on these buried weak layers. Due to the thickness of these slabs, backcountry travelers may not encounter any warning signs prior to the release of the avalanche. Along with large to very large persistent slab avalanches, skiers and riders could also encounter small wind slab avalanches on steep, wind-loaded terrain at the upper elevations. Increased snow depths and clear skies will cause people to travel into terrain that may not have seen traffic this season. Careful evaluation of the snowpack is essential to determine the presence of this avalanche problem. In the low elevations, avalanches are unlikely except in very steep isolated pockets.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    The consequences of being caught in an avalanche involving the Dec 5th interface are severe with slab depths of 3 to 5 feet and possibly deeper on wind-loaded features. This week there have been several avalanches reported on this layer. Most of these slides occurred on avalanche-prone terrain above 8,500 feet on slopes facing north to east and the failure has been on faceted snow over a crust. Backcountry travelers should use caution, good snowpack evaluation, and allow the snowpack time to adjust to last week’s significant loading event.

Avalanche Discussion

In advance of the approaching storm that will bring a return of snow to the area on Monday night, temperatures are to warm and cloud cover will increase throughout the day. Southwest winds will have averages between 20 and 25 miles per hour. The chance for natural avalanche activity is negligible however the possibility for human triggered large to very large avalanches continues at the upper elevations of the Teton and Southwest Trails forecast areas where the danger will be considerable. These slabs have gained strength and might release only when a particularly thin or weak spot on a slope is impacted. Tracks are not an indication of slope stability. The Togwotee Pass area will be rated as Moderate where slabs could still be triggered remotely. Although slabs in this area may be smaller, they could still cause serious consequences, particularly in terrain traps. Avalanches below 8500 feet are unlikely.

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