Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Heightened avalanche conditions exist on wind loaded terrain in the upper elevations where triggering slabs 1-2 feet deep is possible. Watch for slight changes in the recent snow becoming denser as a sign of wind loading on steep terrain exposed to the wind. Use caution once skies clear as recent snow and wind slabs on slopes facing the sun become more unstable. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The Tetons have received up to 12” of the snow above 9000’. Varying wind direction from southwest to northwest has formed soft slabs 1-2 feet deep on upper elevation wind loaded terrain. Look for unstable wind loaded snow off leeward ridgelines and confined features such as couloirs or cliff bands. Recent snow lies on a poor bonding interface of crusts on W-S-E aspects and are capable of entraining large amounts of snow. Obvious signs of shooting cracks may not be present as even slightly denser snow can fail on the old snow interface. Small wind slab avalanches could also have higher consequences in more complex or sustained terrain. Expect slab depths to increase the higher you travel in elevation. 

    Two days ago, two riders were caught and carried while ascending very steep, wind-loaded terrain. This accident highlights the nature of the current problem and is a good reminder of how quickly conditions can change on wind-loaded slopes.

    (4/1/2025)

    Skier triggered avalanche two days ago on a wind loaded slopes that caught and carried multiple people. 

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Small wet loose avalanches are possible on very steep slopes facing the sun when skies clear. Watch for recent snow to destabilize quicker around rock features that heat up surrounding snow surfaces as well as slopes sheltered from the wind. Wet loose avalanches can start out small and entrain large amounts of snow on larger, sustained slopes. Pay attention to recent snow becoming denser and wetter on slopes receiving direct sunlight as the day progresses. 

    (3/8/2025)

    An example of terrain where wet loose avlanches are more likely. 

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Cold Snow Metamorphosis

Mid winter conditions exist with up to 12” of cold, low density snow in the last 72 hours. Drier weather has developed in the last 24 hours with broken to scattered cloud cover keeping snow surfaces cool. Multiple avalanches were triggered on steep wind loaded terrain yesterday. This new snow has been bonding poorly to the old interface of crusts on most aspects. Over time, the cohesion of the new to old snow interface will improve and become more stable. The recent snow is still in this transitional period. Direct solar radiation on sunlit slopes will create short term instability, but improve long term stability. Many slopes did not receive direct sunlight yesterday. Expect increased reactivity today once skies clear on slopes facing the sun. Sky cover is forecasted between 30-50%. Wind slabs will remain reactive on shaded terrain. Test the new to old snow interface while traveling across different terrain throughout the day by performing quick hand shear tests. Low avalanche danger exists in lower elevations due to less recent snowfall. 

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