Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

New snowfall, ample available snow and strong winds have loaded leeward slopes and stiffened wind slabs. Mountain temperatures are also starting out 5 to 10 degrees warmer than yesterday morning, and up-side-down conditions have developed. In steep, wind loaded terrain at the upper elevations, skiers and riders could easily trigger small to large wind slabs. At the mid elevations, where winds had less of an impact, smaller slides will be possible. These slabs could become more susceptible to failure as temperatures warm and periods of sunshine heat up snow surfaces. Monitor temperatures and the impact of the sun, and transition to shaded terrain if snow surfaces start to become affected. The low elevation snowpack is mostly stable, and avalanches are unlikely. As the Grand Targhee Resort prepares to open on Friday, the mountain will be closed to uphill travel beginning today.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Up to 30 inches of snow containing 2.5 to 3.0 inches of snow water equivalent has fallen since Friday afternoon. Strong southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds accompanied this snowfall, and wind slabs have formed in leeward terrain. Backcountry travelers could trigger these slabs to depths of one to four feet on steep, avalanche prone slopes. These slabs could fail on density breaks with in the recent snowfall. In terrain that held snow from October, the chance for triggering these slabs will be greater and the consequences will be higher. In these areas, anchors are being covered, and old snow surfaces near the base of the snowpack provide potential failure zones.

Avalanche Discussion

Snow showers and cloud cover will continue to dissipate overnight as high pressure temporarily moves in. Tuesday will be mostly clear and breezy with south to southwest winds averaging fifteen to twenty miles per hour. Temperature will reach into the thirties at higher elevations and into the upper forties in the valleys. The avalanche danger will be Moderate above 8500 feet tomorrow. In steep terrain where recent snow lies upon old crusts and depth hoar, the possibility exists for backcountry skiers or riders to trigger soft slab avalanches with depths to two feet. These slabs will be more sensitive as the day progresses as they are weakened by warming temperatures and sunlight. Avalanches below 8500 are unlikely except for wet loose slides in very steep terrain such as road cuts.

Regions covered