Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist at the mid and upper elevations. Yesterday, a very large hard slab avalanche was reported on the East Face of Taylor. Backcountry travelers could easily trigger large to very large wind slabs in steep, wind loaded terrain. With the load that the recent storm cycle added to the snowpack, very large persistent slab avalanches remain a concern. While a skier or rider could trigger these deadly slabs, the more likely scenario will be for them to step down from the release of a wind slab. Some potential remains for natural avalanche activity. Be cognizant of the terrain above you; both wind slab and persistent slab avalanches have the potential to travel long distances into low elevation terrain. Expert route-finding skills and conservative terrain choices will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The Tetons have received between 3 and 4 1/2 feet of new snow since early Wednesday morning. Southwesterly to northwesterly winds with hourly averages between 20 and 40 miles per hour accompanied this snowfall. This scenario has resulted in heavily loaded leeward slopes, stiff wind slabs and upside-down conditions. On a variety of aspects at the mid and upper elevations, skiers and riders are likely to trigger these slabs with depths ranging from 2 to 4 feet. Natural activity could also occur. At the lower elevations, pockets of wind slab between 1 and 3 feet deep could be human triggered on steep, wind-loaded slopes.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    3

    Since early Wednesday morning, up to 4 inches of snow water equivalent has been added to persistent weak layers at the mid and upper elevations. Avalanche activity associated with these weak layers are likely to range in depth from 3 to 6 feet, and they could be human triggered or step down from the release of a wind slab. Natural activity also remains possible. At the lower elevations, backcountry travelers could trigger persistent slabs between 2 and 4 feet deep.

Avalanche Discussion

Tuesday looks to be mostly cloudy. Some snow could fall, particularly in the Salt and Wyoming ranges as moisture is pushed up from the south. Southwest winds are to have 20-30 mph averages. Temperatures in the mountains are to rise from the single digits to the mid-teens. The general avalanche hazard ratings will be the same as today. Although avalanches are becoming less sensitive to human triggers, large and dangerous slabs could be triggered on a variety of aspects. Above 7500 feet the recent snow lies as wind slabs and additional concern lies with buried persistent layers. Below 7500 the distinction between wind slabs and persistent slabs is not worth making. The snowpack is weak and where new snow has formed slabs in very steep terrain, they could be triggered and involve weak snow to the ground. Although the size and the sensitivity of potential avalanches varies by forecast area, the ratings will all be Considerable above 7500 feet and Moderate below that elevation.

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