Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired last year.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

Highlights

It remains possible to trigger a large avalanche in very steep (>35°) terrain on slopes loaded by the wind. Look for pillows and drifts around cliff bands, ridgelines, and steep terrain features like couloirs. Cracking and collapsing might not be present to warn you of instability. Look for slopes not exposed to the wind to avoid this problem.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Slabs up to a foot thick were formed 3 days ago with strong southwest winds that accompanied about 10 inches of snow in the Tetons.  Several inches over the last 2 days have added a little more to the equation. On Monday, there were many reports of wind slab avalanches failing at this storm interface at middle and upper elevation terrain, primarily on north through east aspects. Some of those avalanches were large enough to bury a rider. The likelihood of triggering this problem is decreasing, but it can still be found. I am most concerned with very steep (>35°) wind-loaded slopes below cliffs and in crossloaded features like entrances to couloirs. It's also possible that there are some isolated pockets of sheltered, northerly, middle-elevation terrain where some surface hoar was also buried with this last storm - it's not a problem in most places but something to consider before dropping into that very steep, treed run that's holding great soft snow. As you consider managing this problem, remember that cracking at your ski tips might not be evident, and avoiding wind-loaded slopes will be a safer technique than ski cutting a stiffening slab.

    (2/24/2025)

    Wind slab 2/24. Wide propagation of wind slab involving graupel. 

Avalanche Discussion

Wet Loose - Not on the problem list today but still something to keep in mind as cloud cover decreases.

We are entering a period of high pressure. By tomorrow, skies will be sunny, and temperatures will be above average. Today looks to be a transition day as skies begin to clear out. Temperatures are not forecasted to be as warm as the rest of the week. Two days ago, we had a wet, loose avalanche cycle at lower elevations that involved much of the recent snow. If skies clear sooner than expected and temperatures rise higher than forecasted, we could see wet loose avalanches at low and middle elevations on sunny slopes.

  • The biggest unknown today to keep an eye on will be cloud cover
  • Monitor snow surfaces carefully and look for moist surfaces becoming wet if clouds clear
  • Look for rollerballs and pinwheels
  • If you see either of the above, move to shadier aspects

If you see avalanche activity today, please consider submitting an observation HERE. Observations allow everyone to gain a better and more complete understanding of conditions. Thanks!

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