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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago.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

Large to very large persistent deep slab avalanches continue to be a significant hazard. While the likelihood of triggering these slabs is on a slow decreasing trend, the consequences of being caught remain severe. A careful analysis of terrain and understanding of the ramifications of our snowpack structure is necessary for safe travel in avalanche terrain. A wrong terrain selection choice could result in serious consequences. Avalanche activity is unlikely below an elevation of 7,500 feet.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    Dangerous deep slab avalanches could be human triggered on a variety of aspects. These slabs can fail with depths from 2 to 3 feet on a layer of surface hoar that formed in mid-January and with depths from 3 to 6 feet on a persistent weak layer of faceted snow that is deeply buried above a late November crust. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles, are more likely to be able to impact these buried weak layers. However, the weight of a single person could still trigger one of these dangerous slabs if a shallow weak zone is encountered. Previous tracks on a suspect slope should not be considered to be an indication of stability.

Avalanche Discussion

Dryer conditions are in the short term weather forecast. Skies will be mostly sunny on Tuesday. Overnight lows will be in the single digits. Daytime highs will rise into the teens and 20s. Winds will be from the west and increase to 10 to 20 miles per hour during the day.The general avalanche hazard is expected to MODERATE at the mid and upper elevations (7,500 to 10,500 feet) and LOW below that elevation. Large slab avalanches with depths from 2 to 5 feet could be human triggered by skiers and riders. Large triggers like snow machines are more likely to release these dangerous slides, however on some slopes they could still be triggered by the weight of a single skier. Previous tracks on a suspect slope may not be an indication of stability.

Regions covered