Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Continued strong winds from varying directions have formed slabs in upper elevation terrain that could be triggered by backcountry skiers and riders today. A slight chance also persists in triggering slabs deeper in the snowpack. Watch for signs of wind loading, particularly around ridges, cliff bands and couloirs. Follow safe travel practices and never expose more than one person at time in avalanche terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Overnight wind gusts from the north-northwest reached 45mph. Earlier in the day winds were primarily from the southwest and west.  These varying winds have caused new and recent snow to redeposit, and sensitive wind slabs can be found in upper elevation terrain. These slabs could be soft or hard and have depths to eighteen inches. Remember that even small wind slabs can have dire consequences in unforgiving terrain around cliff bands and in couloirs. 

    (1/14/2025)

    Shows wind speed and direction at different locations in the Tetons. 

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Weak layers of snow that are buried 2-4 feet below the surface exist primarily on the north half of the compass. Although triggering an avalanche involving these layers has become unlikely in the Tetons some chance remains in isolated slopes, especially in areas near or above 9000 feet that are very steep (greater than 35 degrees) and have varying snow depths.  If triggered, these slabs will release as hard slabs. Snowpack evaluation and safe travel practices remain the best methods to avoid triggering an avalanche involving the old snow layers. 

Avalanche Discussion

The wind continues to redistribute snow. When wind directions vary to this extent, the recent snow that fell can still be moved around and quickly load small areas that are different than those loaded during the storm itself.  As adventurers go venturing out into more aggressive terrain, be wary of areas that may be wind loaded. Sometimes this loading occurs at the top entrance to a run and other times it can be mid slope particularly in couloirs or near cliff areas where small terrain features can cause small and sensitive slabs to form.  Good group communication to discuss the potential of such loading can help in avoiding a mid-slope problem. 

The weak layers buried in mid and late December are preserved in the snowpack. Although the triggering of an avalanche involving this snow is very unlikely and trending to dormant, unstable snow could potentially be found on isolated terrain features. Continue to be wary of terrain that is so steep that snow could now be enticing but you suspect it could be covering a shear rock face or small cliff band that was exposed just a month ago.  In other forecast zones these old layers remain a more widespread concern. 

Regions covered