Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

It will be possible to trigger avalanches 1-2 feet deep in steep terrain today. Avoid slopes with signs of recent windloading. Be aware that obvious signs of instability (avalanches, shooting cracks, and collapsing) may not be present prior to skiers and riders triggering an avalanche.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2.5

    Numerous wind slabs averaging a foot in depth were triggered by skiers and riders in the Tetons yesterday, with one person being caught and carried, but not buried. While the potential remains for these slabs to release under the weight of a person, expect them to be more stubborn to trigger than yesterday. Steep wind loaded terrain receiving direct sunlight will be the most likely place to encounter this problem today. If travelling in steep terrain, practice good travel habits by exposing one person at a time and use true islands of safety when stopping and re-grouping.

    A skier triggered avalanche on No Name Peak on Dec 28th resulted in the skier being caught and carried but not buried. 

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–3

    Yesterday allowed observers to see evidence of recent avalanches releasing at various interfaces deeper in the snowpack, including a very large avalanche in No Name Canyon. While sensitivity of these layers is on the decline, it is too soon to fully trust them.

    A crust that formed four days ago is anywhere from 2-3 feet deep depending on location. While weak snow associated with this crust has not been observed on a large scale, the possibility of this combination exists. This interface should be considered guilty until proven innocent. 

    A crust that formed on Dec 10th was initially a concern as a widespread slick bed surface, potentially capable of producing very large avalanches. While lower down on the list of concerns, this interface remains on the radar for today.

    Large triggers in the form of wind slab avalanches and large groups will be required to activate these layers today.

    (12/28/2025)

    A very large natural avalanche in No Name Canyon in the southern Tetons that likely occurred late in the day on Dec 27th.  Crown depth estimated at 4-5 feet.

    HS-N-R3-D3

     

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday was the first clear day after a series of atmospheric rivers delivered significant precipitation in the form of both rain and snow over ten days. This active weather pattern created a variety of “upside down” slabs as well as a thin crust up to 9,500 feet that formed on Christmas day. During this period the Tetons received 9 inches of Snow Water Equivalent. Occasionally strong winds helped to amplify loading rates and unstable conditions. This is a significant load in a relatively short amount of time. 

With precipitation tapering off 36 hours ago, the snowpack has moved into a period of stabilization. Cold temperatures in the wake of the wet and warm period are helping to speed up the adjustment of the various interfaces within the upper 3-5 feet of the snowpack. Question marks for today are sensitivity of recently formed windslabs and reactivity of weak snow around the Christmas crust. 

Clear skies and untouched snow may lure riders and skiers into terrain harboring these potential problems. Give the snowpack some more time to adjust by avoiding terrain with these problems today.

Regions covered