Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 8 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

As snowfall rates intensify and strong ridgetop winds continue, the likelihood for skiers and riders to trigger small to large wind slabs will increase throughout the day in leeward terrain above 8,500 feet. Monitor the weather and be willing to change your travel plans if conditions warrant. The chance lingers for backcountry travelers to trigger persistent deep slab avalanches up to five feet in depth in some areas above 7,500 feet. Below 7,500 feet, the snowpack is mostly stable and avalanches are unlikely.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    In some areas above 7,500 feet, the possibility remains for skiers and riders to trigger large to very large persistent deep slab avalanches. These low probability/high consequence avalanches are more likely to be triggered where faceted snow from December resides less than three feet below the snow surface. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles or cornice failures, are more likely to be able to impact this deeply buried layer.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    As the day progresses, the chance for backcountry travelers to trigger newly developed wind slabs will be on the rise in steep, wind-loaded terrain above 8,500 feet. These slabs could be up to 18 inches deep by this evening. Some chance may linger to trigger older wind slabs, particularly on sunlit aspects where sun crusts provide good sliding surfaces.

Avalanche Discussion

Periods of light to moderate intensity snowfall will continue overnight and through the day on Saturday as an upper level low pressure system over the Pacific Northwest moves eastward. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near 10 degrees before rising into the low 20s in the afternoon. Southerly to westerly ridgetop winds will decrease overnight to 10 to 20 miles per hour, but they may ramp back up during the day on Saturday.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate above 7,500 feet on Saturday, and Considerable hazard might develop above 9,000 feet in the Tetons over the next 24 hours. New snow and increasing winds on Saturday will continue to raise the threat of newly developed wind slabs in steep, leeward terrain. These slabs could increase to 12 to 24 inches in depth by Saturday evening with the Tetons being on the higher end of the scale. Some chance may linger to trigger older wind slabs, particularly on sunlit aspects where sun crusts provide good sliding surfaces. Backcountry travelers might still be able to trigger persistent deep slab avalanches up to five feet deep in some areas above 7,500 feet. Below 7,500 feet, the snowpack is mostly stable and avalanches are unlikely.

Regions covered