Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The danger will rise in the middle and upper elevations as the day progresses. New snow and wind will create increasingly dangerous conditions. Avalanches, shooting cracks and collapsing may be present and are clear indicators that the snow is unstable. Conservative terrain decisions will be critical in avoiding avalanches today.

Yesterday a report came in that a skier triggered avalanche occurred south of Teton Pass in steep terrain resulting in a partial burial. Teton County Search and rescue responded to the incident. No further information is available at this time.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    New snow and wind will create dense slabs that will become easier to trigger as the day goes on. Slab depths will range from 1-3 feet and be most sensitive as they are forming. Avoid slopes being actively loaded and be aware of terrain above, as avalanches today could run longer and wider than expected. The likelihood of triggering is lower this morning but will rise as slabs build throughout the day.

    Weak snow near the base of the snowpack is not expected to be active at this time and will continue to be monitored.

    (12/20/2025)

    A skier triggered avalanche south of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. This avalanche likely ran on the Dec 10th crust with wide propagation.

    Photo: JStrong

Avalanche Discussion

Snow has been falling intermittently over the last 5 days, landing on a crust that formed on Dec 10th. Since initial loading, an increasing amount of weight has been added, with 2-4” of Snow Water Equivalent sitting on this crust in the Tetons.

Occasionally strong winds have redistributed this snow and formed slabs ranging from 6 inches to 3 feet in depth. These slabs are sitting on the crust that is widespread across the landscape up to 10,000 feet. Bonding between this newer snow and the crust was initially good. Natural and human triggered avalanche activity has been reported over the last 48 hours at this interface. This is a good indicator that the increase in weight has put enough stress on this interface to break down bonds and create avalanches large enough to injure or bury a person. 

New snow today will add to this load, putting increasing stress on the crust/slab interface. Expect an additional 1” of SWE to be added today. Avalanche activity will be on a steady rise as the newest slabs form. Failure could occur within today’s new snow or step down to a variety of weak interfaces down to the Dec 10 crust.

Regions covered