Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Conditions are generally safe where snowpack surfaces are frozen hard, and large avalanches are unlikely. Be on the lookout for isolated fresh wind drifts at upper elevations & be aware of the terrain above you, as small loose snow avalanches could occur on very steep slopes. Continue to give terrain near or under cornices a wide buffer.

 

 

Avalanche Discussion

Dust on crust is the name of the game yet again today. While yesterday's storm overproduced for the West side of the Tetons thanks to some northerly direction in the storm flow, things switch southwesterly today. Expect 3-5" of new snow accumulation by sunset, accompanied by moderate southwesterly winds. This won't be enough to appreciably change the avalanche danger, and the rating has remained at Low. Below is a list of conditions that you could encounter today, especially if your backcountry adventures take you to steep, consequential terrain:

  • Fresh wind slabs. Small, isolated slabs could exist on firm surfaces by late today. These will be most common in upper elevation terrain and fairly easy to identify. 
  • Loose snow avalanches. Moving forward, any new snow will fall on top of slick crusts that exist pretty much everywhere. In areas of higher snow accumulation, you may encounter relatively small sluffs. These could occur naturally as the day progresses—pay attention to the terrain above you.
  • Riding conditions are "alpine-variable." Expect to feel a bottom crust beneath new snowfall and realize that various firm and unforgiving conditions other than powder will meet your boards or sled track today. 

Use extra caution around cornices, which have grown large. Many observers have noticed cracks near larger cornices where these beasts are peeling away from steep ridgelines.  

Several bear sightings have been reported this spring. Bear spray, group travel, and appropriate food storage should be considered when planning the day. Also, please remember that closed ski areas are now uncontrolled and could have avalanche problems.  Keep this in mind if skinning up or skiing on very steep ski area runs.

Regions covered