Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

The avalanche danger will rise to Moderate as the day warms. Wet snow avalanches are possible on steep, rocky slopes that face the sun. Consider exiting the mountains if you are sinking into slushy snow or observe signs of wet avalanche activity. Triggering a stubborn wind slab is also possible in isolated terrain at upper elevations. Avoid wind-loaded areas and get an early start, moving to gentler terrain or colder slopes if you observe signs of instability.

 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Sunny conditions and mild temperatures will destabilize the snow surface, making loose snow avalanches possible on steep slopes ranging from E-S-W. Humans may trigger these avalanches or they can release naturally near exposed rocks/cliff bands. They begin at a point and fan out to collect debris as they move downslope. They are commonly small but can pack a punch in the wrong terrain or push a rider into consequential areas.

    Watch for obvious signs that the warm sun is wetting the surface of the snow. Thinly covered rocks and cliffs are the first areas to shed. Small roller balls or pinwheels of moist snow can be an early warning that loose snow slides may follow. Pay attention to what's above you. You can largely avoid this problem by sticking to colder, shaded aspects or lower-angle terrain.  

    Exercise caution near or under cornices, as these beasts can fail unexpectedly and trigger larger avalanches. 

    (3/8/2025)

    Wet loose avalanche activity in the steep/rocky south facing terrain of Avalanche Canyon. We watched this avalanche occur around noon today. Maybe pushing the limits of a D1 avalanche. It would have certainly knocked you off your feet.

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong winds have blown over the past 24 hours, crafting slabs of varying hardnesses on many upper-elevation slopes. Observers noted small pockets of wind slab yesterday. The wind can weave in and out of rocky features and across complex mountain terrain; expect cross-loaded features and to encounter winded snow on various aspects in the upper elevations.  These features are expected to be stubborn to trigger. Most of these avalanches may be smaller, but could knock you off your feet in exposed terrain. Avoid very steep slopes with signs of variable wind loading or visual signs of recent wind transport.

    (2/8/2025)

    South Fork of Garnet Canyon; recent wind slab activity. 

Avalanche Discussion

March is heading in like a shy lion, with a significant weather pattern change approaching. Something to bear in mind with said change is widespread surface hoar (unaffected by the wind in many locations) & various weak old snow surfaces forming on most slopes. Today marks the third day of steady weather, featuring sunny skies and brisk winds in the alpine. We're witnessing a snowpack undergoing significant change and, from Wednesday evening onward, a shift back to winter conditions; I'll sadly be stowing away the flip-flops once again. 

As the snow melts on sun-drenched slopes today, rocks, rime, cornices, and other alpine hazards will also become unstable, so keep these in mind. Those refrozen cinnamon rolls now common on many slopes are not as soft as they look, so exercise caution on slopes with old wet loose avalanche activity. Dry snow still lingers (primarily in the form of lots and lots of windboard), so be cautious of isolated pockets of wind-drifted snow in consequential terrain. That said, gradual warmth and hard overnight freezes will benefit the snowpack until nighttime temperatures shift. Today, consider a few hazards you might encounter on your day, whether it's firm riding conditions in steep terrain or the turbo overheating early in the day (also due to firm snow conditions). Think about how you'd create a margin for dealing with them. Continue safe backcountry travel practices, communicate with other groups (and within your own group), and be off steep slopes early.   

 

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