Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist at upper elevations. It will be possible to trigger a large avalanche 2-4 feet deep in steep wind loaded terrain. Watch for dense, drifting snow and shooting cracks at upper elevations. New snow and wind could produce small avalanches that could knock you off your feet in consequential terrain or step down to deeper layers.  Use conservative decision making around steep upper elevation slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2.5

    This problem exists at mid and upper elevations and is buried by 2-3 feet of snow. You are most likely to trigger an avalanche in steep, wind loaded terrain on west through north through east aspects. Up to an inch of water and 15 inches of snow fell overnight at upper elevations, further stressing the snowpack. Watch out for rocky areas, cliffs and thin convexities where you will more easily impact the weak layer. Dig down and assess stability where you are riding. You may or may not see clues like collapsing before triggering an avalanche.  Tracks on a slope are not a definitive indicator of stability. When in doubt or if you want to play it safe, choose lower angle terrain.

    In steep terrain, watch for loose dry snow avalanching. This problem can entrain more snow than you think and has the potential to knock you off your feet or possibly impact deeper weak layers in the snowpack.

    A skier triggered avalanche that occurred two days ago (2/10) on the west side of the Tetons.

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Up to 15 inches of new snow overnight at upper elevations combined with moderate west winds have started to build sensitive wind slabs.  You will find this problem below exposed ridges and wind affected terrain. Look for pillows, drifts and feel for denser snow as you travel through  exposed upper elevation terrain. Wind slabs can build very quickly so watch for active wind transport and loading throughout the day. These slabs could be large enough to knock you off your feet in consequential terrain and have the potential to step down to the most recent weak layer. Avoid leeward aspects and travel in sheltered terrain.

    (2/12/2024)

    Cracking in upper-elevation, wind-loaded terrain, a clear sign of unstable snow conditions. 

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak snow from December was buried on January 4th. This weak layer is 3-5 feet deep and exists at middle and upper elevations. Without a very large trigger, it is unlikely we will see any activity on this layer. This weak layer has remained mostly dormant for some time now. The exception was four days ago when a large avalanche triggered in wind loaded terrain on the February 2nd persistent layer stepped down to the January 4th layer. This was a LARGE trigger and is an example of the force that it currently takes to see activity on this deeper layer. Although unlikely, the problem is most likely found on the north half of the compass.

    An avalanche on the north side of Rendezvous that stepped down to the 1/4 layer.

Avalanche Discussion

The number one problem remains the persistent slab. The February 2nd interface is currently buried 2-3 feet. Avalanche observations are trending downward but we continue to see observations trickling in that indicate it still has the propensity to propagate if the underlying weak layer is impacted. With the incoming storm, the snowpack could be loaded with an additional 1.5 inches of water by the end of the week. Continue to dig down and investigate the snow beneath you and choose conservative terrain as the snowpack adjusts. 

Steep, rocky, wind affected terrain on the north half of the compass remains suspect.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Regions covered