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

Heightened avalanche conditions exist at upper elevations where wind slabs continue to grow. Snowfall from the past three days has been light density and is being easily transported by moderate winds. These slabs are expected to be small in most areas but could be dangerous in consequential terrain and larger in areas with a greater fetch. On sheltered slopes near 40 degrees loose dry avalanches are possible. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully today for signs of wind deposited snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs have been observed at the upper elevations on many aspects. These slabs may be one to two feet thick and showed signs of instability yesterday. Watch for shooting cracks in wind loaded snow. Careful assessment near wind loaded terrain features is key. Though these avalanches are expected to be on the smaller side they may be able to generate enough force to knock down a person if caught off guard. Specific terrain features may be capable of producing an avalanche large enough to bury a person.

Avalanche Discussion

A ridge of high pressure over the western US will bring dry weather through the weekend. Overnight, a temperature inversion will form with valleys reaching -13 and the mountains ranging from -10 to -5 degrees F. Tomorrow skies will be mostly sunny, and the inversion should break with valleys warming into the twenties and mountains into the teens. Winds are expected to be light from the westerly to northwesterly. Across all three forecast areas, the avalanche hazard will be Low and avalanche activity is expected to be limited to small slides on very steep terrain. Shallow wind slabs of less than a foot in depth could be found above 9,000 feet on wind loaded slopes. As the day warms, sheltered sunny aspects could be affected by solar radiation and result in small loose snow slides. These avalanche problems will be small, so backcountry travelers should be mindful of terrain traps and carry rescue gear. At the mid and lower elevations, avalanche activity is unlikely. In the Tetons above the forecasted area of 10,500 feet, the avalanche hazard may be heightened due to the potential of a bit larger and more reactive wind slabs.

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