Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago.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 chance for natural avalanche activity has mostly diminished, and the likelihood of human triggered slides is on a decreasing trend. However, the potential consequences of being caught in a large wind slab will keep the avalanche hazard elevated. Although unlikely, the possibility of deeper slabs failing on or stepping down to October snow might remain. This scenario warrants a conservative approach to terrain selection. Don’t let sunshine and fresh snow cloud your judgement when choosing your travel plans. Precipitation was mainly in the form of rain at the lower elevations, and the shallow snowpack is mostly stable.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Around two feet of snow containing over two inches of snow water equivalent has fallen since Wednesday evening. Strong southwesterly to northwesterly ridgetop winds have accompanied this snowfall forming dense wind slabs on leeward slopes. In steep, wind-loaded avalanche terrain above 7,500 feet, skiers and riders could trigger these slabs ranging in depth from six to 18 inches if failures occur on density breaks within the new snow. In heavily wind loaded terrain near upper elevation ridgelines, these slabs could be up to four feet deep if a slide involves all of the recent snowfall.

Avalanche Discussion

High pressure will remain over the region on Sunday resulting in mostly clear skies and dry conditions. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near 10 degrees before rising into the upper 20s during the day. Westerly ridgetop winds will range from 15 to 30 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE above 7,500 feet on Sunday. Moderate hazard is not a green light. In steep, wind-loaded avalanche terrain, backcountry travelers could trigger recently developed wind slabs one to three feet in depth. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles, may be needed to trigger these slabs. Although unlikely, the possibility of deeper slabs failing on or stepping down to October snow might remain. Recent precipitation was mainly in the form of rain below 7,500 feet, and the shallow snowpack is mostly stable.

Regions covered