Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 8 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Yesterday, a snowmobiler did not survive an avalanche in the Horse Creek drainage of the Wyoming Range. Our deepest condolences go out to the friends and family of those involved. Details of the event are limited at this time. Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center personnel are planning to visit the accident site today, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.At the mid and upper elevations, Friday’s wind event created pockets of wind slab and increased the load on existing persistent slabs. As yesterday’s tragic event illustrates, human triggered avalanches remain possible. The substantial amount of spatial variability associated with both wind slabs and persistent slabs requires a cautious approach to terrain management. At the lower elevations, backcountry travelers might be able to trigger an isolated pocket of slab in very steep terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Above 7,500 feet, skiers and riders could still trigger persistent slab avalanches up to three feet in depth on faceted snow that developed in November and early December. The likelihood of triggering these slabs will slowly be on the rise in the afternoon as new snow increases the load on these persistent weak layers. Evaluate the snowpack often, and don’t assume that one snow pit will give you a representative picture of the avalanche hazard.

Avalanche Discussion

A weak disturbance will bring periods of light to moderate snowfall to the area. Temperatures will be in the teens in the mountains and in the teens and 20s in the valleys. Winds will be from the west-southwest at 15 to 25 miles per hour.At the mid and upper elevations the general avalanche hazard is moderate. Humans who venture onto steep avalanche prone slopes could trigger slab avalanches 1 to 3 feet deep. At the lower elevations avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. The general avalanche hazard is low below an elevation of 7,500.

Regions covered