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

A few small to large pockets of soft slab were triggered yesterday in the Tetons, and similar slides could be triggered today at the upper elevations. Triggering loose snow sloughs will also be possible on very steep slopes with significant amounts of recent snowfall. Increasing cloud cover is expected to mitigate the effect of the sun. However, it won’t take much sunshine to weaken the recent snowfall once temperatures warm. If extended periods of sunshine occur, recently formed soft slabs will become more susceptible to failure, and the chance for small wet slides will develop. With the current stress on our health care community, an extra margin of safety is warranted.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Since early Saturday morning, the mountains have received 10 to 15 inches of new snow. Light to moderate, southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds accompanied this snowfall, and soft wind slabs with depths ranging from 12 to 18 inches formed above 9,000 feet in leeward terrain. These slabs reside above melt-freeze crusts and dense, settled snow. Backcountry travelers could trigger these pockets of soft slab on steep slopes. As temperatures warm, the likelihood of triggering these slabs will increase, especially if cloud cover comes in later than expected.

Avalanche Discussion

Cloud cover will increase tonight, and a series of weather disturbances will move across the region overnight and through the day on Tuesday. By Tuesday evening, 4 to 8 inches of new snow could accumulate in the Tetons and Southwest Trails area with lesser amounts on Togwotee Pass. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near 20 degrees before rising to near 30 in the afternoon. Southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds will increase to 20 to 30 miles per hour.In the Tetons on Tuesday, the general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate above 9,000 feet and low below 9,000 feet. In the higher elevations, skiers and riders could trigger pockets of wind slab up to a foot deep. As winds increase, keep an eye on drifting snow and slab development. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Low in the Togwotee Pass and Southwest Trails forecast zones. There, backcountry travelers might be able to trigger a small isolated pocket of slab above 9,000 feet by the afternoon. With the current stress on our health care community, an extra margin of safety is warranted.

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