Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
No rating
Below
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Out of date — this forecast expired 10 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

At the upper elevations, skiers and riders might be able to trigger an isolated pocket of persistent slab in terrain that held snow from October. While these areas are mostly limited to shaded and partially shaded slopes above 9,000 feet, it is precisely where the best skiing and riding will be found. Remember, early season conditions exist, and even small slides can have serious consequences if they carry backcountry travels into exposed rocks and other obstacles.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    The primary layer of concern is faceted snow resting on the hard October rain crust. This persistent weak layer exists on westerly through northerly to easterly aspects above 9,000 feet. On mostly shaded slopes, this crust can dip below 9,000 feet. Southwesterly ridgetop winds have ranged from 15 to 25 miles per hour over the past 24 hours, which has transported snow and stiffened up surface slabs. In steep, avalanche prone terrain at the higher elevations, backcountry travelers might be able to trigger one of these isolated surface slabs to depths of 6 to 18 inches.

Avalanche Discussion

An upper level low pressure system and associated cold front will begin to bring snowfall to Western Wyoming in the early morning hours and continue through the day. By Sunday evening, expect 4 to 8 inches of accumulation in the mountains. Southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds at 20 to 30 miles per hour will accompany this snowfall. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the upper teens overnight and only warm a few degrees during the day.The general avalanche hazard is expected to increase to MODERATE on Sunday. The primary layer of concern is faceted snow resting on the hard October rain crust, which exists on westerly through northerly to easterly aspects above 9,000 feet. In steep, avalanche prone terrain where this persistent weak layer is present, backcountry travelers could trigger similar slides that occurred Thursday through Saturday. As the day progress, the likelihood of triggering these slides will increase, along with their depth and volume.

Regions covered