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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago.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

Skiers and riders still have some potential to trigger persistent deep slab avalanches above 7,500 feet, particularly when the associated weak layers are less than three feet below the snow surface. Backcountry travelers might also be able to trigger an isolated pocket of recently developed wind slab in very steep, wind-loaded terrain above 9,000 feet. While these slides are likely to be small, they still have the potential to sweep skiers and riders over cliff bands or into terrain traps. 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

    Above 7,500 feet, two to five feet of dense snow resides over faceted layers that formed in December and January. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles, are more likely to be able to impact these deeply buried weak layers. However, the weight of a single skier might be sufficient to trigger one of these dangerous persistent deep slabs if a shallow, weak zone is encountered. The consequences of being caught in one of these slides will be severe.

Avalanche Discussion

Expect cloud cover to increase overnight as the next Pacific shortwave approaches the region. Light snowfall will develop on Saturday and increase in intensity during the day. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the negative single digits before rising into the upper single digits in the afternoon. Westerly ridgetop winds will back to the southwest at and increase to 20 to 30 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to remain Moderate above 7,500 feet with persistent deep slab avalanches being the primary concern. While these slabs are becoming harder to trigger, the consequences remain severe. Backcountry travelers might also be able to trigger an isolated pocket of recently developed wind slab in very steep, wind-loaded terrain above 9,000 feet. Below 7,500 feet, the snowpack is mostly stable and avalanches are unlikely.

Regions covered