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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago.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

Strong westerly to southwesterly ridgetop winds, along with ample snow available for transport, continue to load leeward aspects along upper elevation ridgelines. In steep, wind-loaded terrain that held snow from October, backcountry travelers could trigger very large, dense slab avalanches failing on the old snow surfaces. The hazard will decrease with a drop in elevation as snow cover from October dissipates and the effect of the wind diminishes. Skiers and riders might still be able to trigger a smaller slab failing on density breaks within the recent snowfall. Careful snowpack evaluation and a cautious approach to terrain selection will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain at the higher elevations. Avalanches are unlikely below 8,000 feet where little snowfall has accumulated.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    Since Wednesday evening, the Tetons have received around 40 inches of new snow containing close to four inches of snow water equivalent. Strong westerly to southwesterly ridgetop winds have accompanied this snowfall forming dense wind slabs in leeward terrain. In areas where old snow surfaces are present, backcountry travelers could trigger these slabs to depths exceeding four feet. These old snow surfaces increase in extent from sunlit to shaded aspects above 9,000 feet and dip down to 8,000 feet on north facing slopes.

Avalanche Discussion

A few scattered snow showers could linger overnight before flow aloft veers to the north, and high pressure begins to build over the region bringing mostly sunny skies on Tuesday. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the single digits before climbing into the mid-teens during the day. Westerly ridgetop winds will veer to the north and decrease to 10 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE on Tuesday. Backcountry travelers venturing onto steep, wind-loaded, avalanche-prone slopes could trigger recently developed wind slabs in terrain that held snow from October. The old snow surfaces from October increase in extent from sunlit to shaded aspects above 9,000 feet and dip down to 8,000 feet on north facing slopes. When evaluating the snowpack, determine if the old snow surfaces are present and how well the new and old snow are bonding.

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