Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Avalanches are unlikely in the majority of terrain today. Exceptions exist in very steep upper elevation terrain harboring older wind slabs. In these areas slabs will be up to a foot in depth and large enough to knock you over. This is a more serious problem in terrain where a fall or loss of control has high consequences.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow that fell two days ago was redistributed by northeast winds yesterday. Winds shifted from northwest to northeast and in some locations were in the 30 mph range. That shift built stiff slabs that were reactive in unusual places, as winds do not typically come out of the east in the Tetons. It will take steep terrain, at least 35 degrees, to get wind slabs to move downhill.

    Look out for signs of wind loading such as rounded, pillowed or stiff snow surfaces. Shooting cracks are an indicator that the snow is unstable. Wind slabs today will generally be up to a foot in depth and less reactive than yesterday. Triggering a wind slab today hold the potential to knock you off of your feet and lose control. This becomes a more serious issue when travelling above terrain traps such as gullies, cliff bands and trees.

     

     

    (1/22/2025)

    A small windslab from the ridgeline of Taylor Mountain. 

Avalanche Discussion

Winds over the last week have created instability in the upper foot of the snowpack in wind exposed terrain. New snow that fell two days ago has fallen on a wide variety of surfaces including crusts, facets and older wind slabs.  The quick shift in wind direction created slabs in terrain that typically does not see wind loading. Be aware of this, especially when travelling in familiar terrain. Assess the snowpack with an awareness of this unusual pattern today to avoid triggering.

Regions covered