Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago.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

Highlights

Weak layers are buried in the snowpack 2-4 feet deep across all aspects and most elevations. Although this layer has become less sensitive to triggering, it remains possible to trigger an avalanche on this layer large enough to bury a person. Look and listen for signs of instability such as cracking or collapsing and remember to travel one at a time in avalanche terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Persistent weak layers that formed during November are buried in the snowpack across all aspects and elevations. Slab depths range 2-4 feet with thicker slabs found at higher elevations. Although the likelihood of triggering these layers is decreasing with time, serious consequences could occur if triggered due to the potential size of an avalanche. Recent observations are still showing unstable test results in snowpits.

Avalanche Discussion

The main concern today is persistent weak layers buried 2-3 feet deep varying across aspects. Cold and mostly dry conditions in November created weak faceted snow on northerly aspects. Southerly aspects contain melt freeze crusts with poor bonding structure to the upper portion of the snowpack. Field observations are consistently finding unstable conditions in snowpits, with failure and full propogation of extended column tests. Although the sensitivity to triggering an avalanche on these layers is decreasing with warmer temperature and settlement, the possibility still lingers. Reports of natural and human triggered avalanches are still being reported, mostly on steep 40 degree easterly aspects  (Mt. Oliver, Wolf Trap). 

Regions covered