Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning effective until 5 AM on Monday. New snow and strong southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds will form small to large wind slabs in leeward terrain at the mid and upper elevations. As the day progresses, the chance for skiers and riders to trigger these slabs in steep, wind-loaded avalanche terrain will be on an increasing trend. Monitor weather conditions, and utilize an increasingly conservative approach to terrain selection throughout the day. If an extended period of rapid loading occurs, be willing to back off and move to low consequence terrain. The sparse to nonexistent snowpack at the lower elevations is mostly stable.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Several inches of dry snow sit upon crusts formed in late November. In many areas, these crusts are several inches thick. In some high elevation, mostly shaded terrain, a couple of crusts can surround small grains of faceted snow. As new wind slabs build, backcountry travelers will become increasingly likely to trigger these newly developed slabs. By this evening, these slabs could reach depths of 12 to 18 inches.

Avalanche Discussion

More snow is forecast overnight. Temperatures on the summit will drop into the single digits. Winds will veer to the northwest with gusts from 30 to 50 miles per hour. On Monday snow and wind will taper off during the day leaving lingering flurries or isolated light snow showers in the mountains in the afternoon. Summit temperatures will rise into the teens.Snow and winds will continue to build new soft slabs on hard old snow surfaces. These slabs could build to depths of one to two feet. Skiers and riders could trigger those slabs in steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones at the mid and upper elevations. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE on steep slopes above an elevation of 7,500 feet. Little snow exists at the lower elevations.

Regions covered