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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The chance for skiers and riders to trigger small to large wind slabs in leeward terrain above 9,000 feet will be on the increase as the day progresses. Skiers and riders still have some potential to trigger large to very large persistent deep slab avalanches above 7,500 feet. These slides are more likely to be triggered in terrain where the faceted layers from December and January reside less than three feet below the snow surface. Monitor the weather and be willing to turn around if conditions warrant. 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

    The possibility remains for skiers and riders to trigger dangerous persistent deep slab avalanches at the mid and upper elevations. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles or cornice failures, are more likely to be able to impact the deeply buried weak layers of faceted snow. However, the weight of a single skier might be sufficient to trigger one of these persistent deep slabs if a shallow, weak zone is encountered. These low probability/high consequence slides could range in depth from two to five feet and will carry severe consequences for anyone involved.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    With increasing winds, new snow and snow available for transport, the size and likelihood of triggering newly and recently developed wind slabs will be on the rise today. Skiers and riders could trigger these slabs to depths of 18 inches in steep, wind-loaded terrain near upper elevation ridgelines.

Avalanche Discussion

The next pulse of Pacific moisture will bring periods of heavier snowfall to the region later tonight and into Monday morning. Lighter snowfall is expected during the day and into the evening. Temperatures will remain in the single digits and teens. Southwest winds will continue overnight at 35 with gusts to 50 miles per hour. Winds will veer to the west and decrease during the day.The strong winds and new snow will continue to form wind slabs on leeward aspects. These slabs could grow to depths of one to two feet in upper elevation avalanche starting zones and will be sensitive to human triggers. A persistent deep slab avalanche hazard also exists above an elevation of 7,500 feet. Dangerous deep slab avalanches could be human triggered on steep avalanche prone slopes with depths that range from 2 to 5 feet. These slabs are more likely to be triggered by snowmobiles but could be triggered by the weight of a skier. The general avalanche hazard may increase to CONSIDERABLE at the upper elevations and is expected to be MODERATE at the mid elevations and LOW at the lower elevations.

Regions covered