Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

At the upper elevations, the chance persists for backcountry travelers to trigger small to large pockets of wind slab in very steep, wind loaded terrain. Evaluate the snowpack carefully, and don’t let the weekend and blue skies cloud your judgement. Conditions are likely to be different above 10,500 feet, and a heightened sense of awareness is warranted. Shallow wet loose sluffs will also become possible on steep, sunlit aspects as the day warms. The likelihood of avalanche activity below 9,000 feet quickly diminishes as the snowpack transitions to mostly bare ground at the valley floor.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong northwesterly ridgetop winds have transported available snow and formed pockets of wind slab in leeward terrain near upper elevation ridgelines. These slabs rest above small grains of faceted snow and stout crusts from the end of November. Up there, skiers and riders could trigger these slabs in very steep, wind loaded terrain to depths of one to two feet. These slabs may become more susceptible to failure on sunlit aspects as the day warms.

Avalanche Discussion

On Sunday, skies will be mostly sunny as high pressure remains entrenched over the region. Temperature inversions will increase overnight with valley lows near zero. The mountains will start out around 20 degrees before climbing to near freezing during the day. Northerly to northwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 5 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE above 9,000 feet on Sunday. Some potential may remain for backcountry travelers to trigger recently developed pockets of wind slabs 6 to 18 inches deep in very steep, wind loaded terrain. These slabs have a high degree of spatial variability, but are easily identified. Evaluate the snowpack carefully, and avoid stiff, drummy snow on very steep slopes. The likelihood of avalanche activity below 9,000 feet quickly diminishes as a winter snowpack transitions to mostly bare ground at the valley floors.

Regions covered