Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 years ago.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

Highlights

At the mid and upper elevations, skiers and riders venturing into steep, wind loaded terrain could trigger small to larger wind slabs. While less likely, the possibility remains for backcountry travelers to trigger large persistent slab avalanches. These deeper slabs could also step down from the release of a wind slab. Skiers and riders might be able to trigger an isolated pocket of soft slab in very steep terrain at the lower elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    In the middle of the week, strong southwesterly to northwesterly ridgetop winds combined with new snowfall to produce wind slabs above 7,500 feet. These slabs reside above surface hoar, near surface facets and sun crusts. Yesterday, southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds were strong enough to transport available snow, and wind speeds increased to 20 to 30 miles per hour overnight. This scenario is continuing to load leeward slopes and stiffen the wind slabs. Backcountry travelers could trigger these slabs to depths of one to two feet in steep avalanche terrain.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Faceted weak layers that formed during the November dry spell exist in the lower portion of the snowpack, and skiers and riders still have the potential of triggering slab avalanches up to three feet deep above 7,500 feet. This hazard is more of a concern in terrain with shallower snow depths. In these areas, temperature gradients have been stronger and the weak layers are more easily impacted. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles, may also be more likely to initiate these persistent slabs.

Avalanche Discussion

A transitory ridge of high pressure will build over the region on Sunday. Expect dry conditions and decreasing cloud cover as the day progresses. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low teens before rebounding into the upper 20s. Southerly to southwesterly ridgetop winds will decrease to 10 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate above 7,500 feet on Sunday. Up there, skiers and riders could trigger wind slabs up to two feet deep on steep, wind loaded slopes. Terrain where these slabs are stiff and drummy should simply be avoided. Warming temperatures and sunshine could increase the likelihood of triggering these slabs as the day progresses. While less likely, persistent slabs up to three feet deep remain a threat to backcountry travelers. In addition to the possibility of being human triggered, these slabs could also fail from the release of a wind slab. Below 7,500 feet, skiers and riders might be able to trigger a shallow soft slab on very steep slopes.

Regions covered