Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning effective from noon today through 5 PM on Sunday. Strong southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds, new snow and ample snow available for transport have increased the depth and volume of wind slabs at the mid and upper elevations. Skiers and riders could easily trigger these slabs in steep, wind-loaded terrain, and natural activity will be possible. The increasing snow load will also raise the likelihood of triggering large to very large persistent deep slab avalanches. Safe travel will demand a conservative approach to terrain management. Monitor the weather, and be willing to turn around if conditions warrant. Below 7,500 feet, backcountry travelers might be able to trigger an isolated pocket of shallow wind slab on very steep, wind-loaded slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    Dangerous persistent deep slabs reside over faceted snow from December and January. Since Wednesday afternoon, 2.0 to 2.5 inches of snow water equivalent has been added to the snowpack, and more is on the way. This increasing load, which may be sufficient to produce natural activity, will continue to raise the likelihood of triggering persistent deep slab avalanches that could range in depth from three to six feet.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Warmer temperatures and strong winds have created upside-down conditions, and skiers and riders are likely to trigger wind slabs on steep, wind-loaded slopes above 7,500 feet. As the day progresses, the likelihood of triggering these slabs will be on the increase, and depths could reach three feet by this evening. These slabs could also release naturally.

Avalanche Discussion

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning in effect until 5 PM on Sunday. Westerly flow aloft will back to the southwest and the jet stream will move overhead as a potent winter storm system moves into the area. This system is expected to favor the Tetons and Togwotee Pass, and 1.0 to 1.5 inches of water weight could be added to these areas by Sunday evening. During this time period, the Southwest Trails area could receive 0.5 to 1.0 inches of snow water equivalent. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the mid-teens, and temperatures are not expected to significantly rise during the day. Southwesterly ridgetop winds at 20 to 35 miles per hour overnight will decrease to 15 to 25 during the day.The Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Center has issued an Avalanche Warning in effect until 6 PM on Sunday for the Teton and Togwotee Pass forecast areas. If the forecasted snowfall materializes, the general avalanche hazard is expected to be HIGH, and TRAVEL IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED. There, skiers and riders could easily trigger wind slabs one to three feet in depth in steep, wind-loaded terrain, and the threat of dangerous, persistent deep slab avalanches in excess of five feet will continue to increase. Natural activity will also be likely.Similar conditions exist in the Southwest Trails areas, but with the storm system favoring the northern portion of the forecast area, the hazard is expected to remain CONSIDERABLE.

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