Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

The avalanche danger will begin at Moderate and rise to Considerable once the sun comes out and snow surfaces become wet. Avalanches involving the recent snowfall will become likely during any prolonged period of sunshine and could be large enough to bury a person. Evaluate the new snow carefully for signs of instability and avoid steep, sunny slopes once the snow becomes wet.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    6-10 inches of new snow has fallen in the mid and upper elevations of the Tetons since yesterday morning. Half of that accumulated since 5pm. Winds of varying direction have remained light. Triggering soft slabs up to 18 inches deep is possible in steep terrain and may become likely as skies clear throughout the day. Any prolonged period of sun will increase the likelihood of avalanche activity significantly. Natural activity on steep, sunny slopes may also become possible as the sun warms the snow surface. These avalanches may have slab characteristics or be loose “point releases'' that entrain snow as they move. Buried crusts can be found on many slopes and provide a good surface for snow to move on as it becomes moist. Watch for shooting cracks and sluffing while the snow is dry. Once the surface becomes moist, it is best to avoid steep, rocky slopes that face the sun and seek shaded terrain where safety and quality of riding will be greater. The transition from dry to moist will happen quickly today. Be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly.

    3 people have been caught and carried by avalanches in the Tetons since 3/28. Click here to read up on recent events and observations.

    A soft slab avalanche that was triggered outside of JHMR on 3/29 during a period of sunshine and warming temperatures.

    Avalanches that occur today will possess similar characteristics.

Avalanche Discussion

New snow has been recorded every day since 3/21. While totals haven’t been impressive, the constant trickle has stacked up. Today will be the first sunny day in the mountains since the unsettled weather started. Expect conditions to change quickly and the avalanche hazard to rise if the strong April sun makes an appearance. A slope that was perfect powder snow several minutes ago might have slabbed up and become dangerous. Paying attention to the changing conditions will be critical today. Natural sluffs and roller balls are good indicators that the snow is changing and becoming unstable. Furthermore, carefully consider the terrain in which you are traveling under given the possibility of natural avalanches during the heat of the day.

 

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