Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The general hazard has decreased but it is still possible for riders and skiers to trigger small to large slab avalanches on steep avalanche-prone terrain. At the mid and upper elevations, recent winds have formed surface slabs on wind-loaded terrain features. The initiation of a wind slab could step down into buried weak layers deeper in the snowpack. At the lower elevations and in locations with a thin snowpack (less than four feet), it is possible for the weight of a single person to trigger slab avalanches failing on persistent weak layers that formed earlier in the season. Backcountry travelers should monitor the approaching storm system as strong winds and heavy snowfall could quickly increase the hazard.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    As the snowpack deepens in the Tetons, persistent weak layers are becoming harder to trigger and less reactive. Although, due to spatial variability and season history, there are areas where faceted snow and crusts still remain a concern, and backcountry travelers could trigger slab avalanches one to four feet in depth. On February 8, backcountry skiers remotely triggered a large avalanche on the west slope of the Tetons that failed on a sun crust. There have also been reports of weak basal snow at the mid and lower elevations. These problem layers are difficult to detect as there will not be any warning signs. Careful evaluation of the snowpack and terrain are warranted for safe travel in the mountains.

Avalanche Discussion

Moisture is moving in from the Pacific in a strong northwest flow. Conditions are becoming favorable for periods of heavy mountain snowfall. Snowfall rates may reach an inch per hour from mid-evening until sunrise. Less intense snowfall will continue through the day. This snowfall will be accompanied by westerly ridge top winds at 20 to 30 with gusts to 40 miles per hour. Temperatures will be in the teens in the mountains and in the 20’s at the lower elevations. The new snow and wind will increase the hazard and create dangerous avalanche conditions. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be considerable and may rise to high in the most impacted areas. New soft wind slabs formed by westerly winds are likely to be easily triggered by humans and may release naturally in steep wind-loaded avalanche starting zones. These new slabs are expected to build to depths of two feet. In the Togwotee Pass and Greys River areas and in isolated areas in the Teton forecast areas persistent weak layers are also a concern. Large slab avalanches could occur on these problem layers are likely to be destructive could be 2 to 5 feet deep. Monitor conditions for increasing hazard, assess the snowpack carefully and make route and terrain selection choices that are appropriate for these dangerous conditions.

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