Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

The potential continues for backcountry riders or skiers to trigger slab avalanches in very steep wind loaded terrain in active avalanche starting zones. The triggering of such a slab is most likely to occur in and around cliff areas at the high elevations or on isolated terrain features at the mid elevations. Avalanches at low elevations remain unlikely due to shallow snow depths. Backcountry travelers are urged to evaluate the snowpack and the terrain carefully as even small slides can have dire consequences.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Slabs formed by strong winds during recent snowfall lie upon crusts and faceted snow that was buried on December 5th. This weak layer is widespread at the upper elevations and reaches into the upper portion of mid elevations on west to east aspects. Although these slabs have become less reactive, they could still be human triggered in very steep terrain with average slab depths of one to two and a half feet.

Avalanche Discussion

The dry and quiet weather will continue overnight and into tomorrow. Skies will start out mostly cloudy and slowly clear throughout the day as we will be under a weak ridge of high pressure. Temperatures during the day will climb into the high twenties at mid elevations. Ridgetop winds will be out of the west at 15-20 mph. No precipitation is forecasted.Another day without adding stress to the snowpack will help to further stabilize any weak interfaces within the snowpack. While many slopes in the mid and upper elevations harbor persistent weak layers, field observations continue to show a general lack of avalanche activity on those layers. Very steep slopes will be the most likely terrain to trigger slab avalanches up to two and a half feet in depth. Expect the avalanche danger to remain Moderate above 9,000’ and Low in the mid and lower elevations.

Regions covered