Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Watch for fresh slabs formed from recent snow and increased westerly wind yesterday afternoon. Unstable recent snow could move quickly downslope on the previous snow surfaces. Heightened avalanche conditions are lingering in very steep, shaded terrain where buried weak layers could cause larger avalanches. Careful snowpack and terrain assessment are required to manage this problem.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    A quick storm produced 4-12 inches of low density snow that ended yesterday. Winds were relatively light and increased yesterday afternoon through the evening out the west. Watch for fresh wind slabs formed around a foot deep in upper elevation terrain, especially above treeline. Wind slabs are capable of running fast and entraining snow due to the previous bed surfaces of crusts on W-S-E aspects. Watch for shooting cracks, stiffened surface, and drifts as indications of wind loaded terrain. 

    New snow was unstable on very steep terrain over 35° yesterday in the form of dry or wet loose avalanches based on aspect and elevation. Assess the snow for similar conditions today. Monitor cloud cover throughout the day as clear skies will destabilize snow on slopes facing the sun. This is more likely around rock features that heat surrounding snow surfaces.

    (2/24/2026)

    Shooting cracks is a clear sign of unstable wind loaded snow. 

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak snow formed in January is buried 2-4 feet deep below hard slabs. Although the likelihood of triggering has decreased thanks to time and suitable weather to promote healing, these weak layers are still lingering in isolated areas. Riders could find this problem on very steep terrain over 35° that is shaded above 8,000’. Knowing exactly where these weak layers of surface hoar and facets are still reactive is difficult due to their spotty distribution.

    No signs of instability will be present before triggering, so remain diligent to assess the snowpack carefully in unfamiliar or suspect terrain. Most of the recent persistent slab avalanches occurred on the west and south side of the Tetons. Weak layers are better preserved and more widespread in these areas.

    Cornice Falls: Large triggers such as cornice falls increase the likelihood of impacting buried weak layers and triggering a large avalanche. Limit exposure on or below cornices.

    2/28/2026

    A large avalanche south of JHMR that failed on weak snow in the middle of the snowpack. The avalanche was likely triggered by a piece of falling cornice. Most recent persistent slab avalanche events have occurred on the west and south side of the Tetons.

Avalanche Discussion

Northwest flow produced varying snow amounts over a 36 hour period. New snow was not bonding particularly well to the previous interface of melt freeze crusts in very steep terrain. Time will hopefully help stabilize the new snow, but keep this instability in mind today in consequential terrain. Areas that remained cloudy yesterday will be more susceptible to wet loose avalanches today. Limit exposure to overhead hazards if the snow begins to warm quickly in the day.  

Minimal wind effect or slab development was found yesterday as wind speed remained light for once. Wind speed increased yesterday afternoon through the evening for a 10-12 hour period. Expect the low density snow to form fresh wind slabs as a result. These will be more likely on specific terrain such as leeward ridgelines or confined features like couloirs.

Deeper down, the snowpack has had time to heal since our last significant loading event on Feb 24-25th. The January drought layer produced numerous avalanches during this cycle. Since then, we haven’t had much avalanche activity and snow stability tests have varied based on the distribution of the surface hoar and facets. Time, as well as warm weather and diurnal temperature fluctuations, have helped these weak layers adjust to the overlying slab. As a result, persistent slab avalanches are far less likely. There is plenty of evidence of stable slopes out there as folks begin to step out into bigger terrain. Use your best judgment to identify slopes where this problem is still a threat and assess the snowpack and terrain thoroughly. Digging a quick pit in the snow can give you valuable insight into the stability of the snowpack. Terrain traps such as trees, cliffs, and gullies above the suspect terrain should warrant significant caution. Check out the Recent Avalanches to learn more about where these weak layers have been most reactive. 

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