Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 13 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

A winter storm warning is in effect and the avalanche hazard will be increasing during the day at all elevations. Strong winds, warming temperatures and abundant new snow will create dangerous unstable conditions. Large slab avalanches are likely to be easily triggered by humans. Natural avalanche activity is likely at the upper elevations and possible at the mid elevations. At the lower elevations smaller human triggered slab avalanches and pockets of natural avalanche activity are possible. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended in areas where the hazard is high. Expert knowledge and restraint is essential for safe travel in areas with considerable hazard.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Dense new wind slabs are forming on a variety of aspects at all elevations. These slabs will increase in depth and volume as the day progresses. Crown depths of one to three feet are expected at the mid and upper elevations. These slabs could release naturally and are likely to be easily triggered by humans who venture into steep terrain. Once triggered these slabs could step down to buried weak layers. At the lower elevations pockets of new wind slab up to 18 inches in depth could be human triggered in steep, wind loaded avalanche starting zones.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–3

    At the mid and upper elevations large to very large persistent slabs with depths of three to five feet could release naturally or be triggered by humans or the release of surface slabs. The likelihood of triggering these slabs will increase during the day as a snowpack with poor structure is rapidly loaded by strong winds and new snow.

Avalanche Discussion

Snow will be on the increase across the area again tonight and will continue through much of the day on Sunday before decreasing Sunday night. New snow accumulations of 8 to 16 inches are expected in the mountains during the next 24 hours. Strong west winds at speeds of 20 to 30 with gusts to 45 miles per hour will continue to create areas of blowing and drifting snow. Temperatures will be in the teens and 20s in the mountains and in the 20s and low to mid 30s in the valleys.If this weather forecast verifies the general avalanche is expected to be HIGH in all areas. Very large natural and human triggered slab avalanches with crown depths of three to six feet are likely and travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Regions covered