Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 14 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Recently developed storm slabs could be easily triggered by backcountry skiers and riders venturing into avalanche terrain. While less likely, persistent slabs continue to be a concern and could result in serious injuries. Clearing skies have the tendency to lure people into compromising terrain after significant snowfall. Cautious route finding, conservative decision making and the ability to resist peer pressure will all be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain today.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Close to a foot of new snow containing three quarters of an inch of moisture fell in the mountains late in the day on Sunday. Strong southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds at 30 to 40 miles per hour accompanied the snowfall. At the mid and upper elevations, backcountry travelers could trigger these slabs to depths of one to two feet, which could fail on either the new/old snow interface from Friday or within the storm snow.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2

    Storm totals from Friday of two inches of snow water equivalent have been added to the snowpack. This additional weight may be sufficient to impact persistent weak layers near the base of the snowpack from October. These crusts and faceted snow are present on most upper elevations slopes and dip into mid elevations slopes on northerly aspects. If triggered, these slides could reach depths of two to four feet depending on elevation and will carry high consequences. Yesterday, such a slide released naturally on a northeast facing slope at an elevation of 10,000 feet in uncontrolled terrain at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

Avalanche Discussion

Light snow is expected Tuesday with two to three inches of accumulation by evening ahead of a strong winter storm. Winds will be southwesterly at 15 miles per hour along the ridges and temperatures will warm to the mid 20s.Backcountry travelers may trigger dangerous slabs two to four feet in depth on steep slopes at upper elevations that are subject to wind loading. Unsupported, hanging snowfields and extreme terrain are areas to avoid. The hazard there will be Moderate. At mid and lower elevations the hazard is expected to be Low. Low hazard does not mean no hazard and people may trigger slides in isolated, very steep terrain subject to good wind loading.

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