Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Humans who venture onto steep wind loaded avalanche prone slopes could trigger slab avalanches that involve the recent new snow. These surface slabs could be up to two feet deep. Larger slab avalanches with depths to 3 feet could also be triggered by skiers and riders on a persistent weak layer of faceted snow that was buried in November. Isolated areas of instability may exist on very steep terrain features at the lower elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    At the mid and upper elevations slab avalanches up to two feet in depth could be triggered by the weight of a single person. These slabs were formed by southwest to northwest winds. Warming temperatures and sunshine may increase the sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers as the day progresses. These slabs are especially dangerous above cliff areas and terrain traps. Snow depths are still shallow and the consequences of being caught in an avalanche are more severe due to rocks and other obstacles.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Larger slab avalanches with depths to three feet could be triggered on a persistent weak layer that formed in November. These persistent slab avalanches could be triggered by the weight of a person or be triggered by a surface slab that steps down to the November layer of buried faceted snow.

Avalanche Discussion

Expect mostly cloudy skies and a chance for light, scattered snow showers on Saturday as a weak Pacific disturbance moves through the region. Temperature inversions will break down, and overnight lows in the mountains will be in the mid-teens before rising into the mid-20s during the day. Southwesterly ridgetop winds will increase to 20 to 30 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate above 7,500 feet on Saturday. Skiers and riders venturing into steep, wind loaded terrain could trigger recently developed wind slabs with depths ranging from one to two feet. While less likely, the possibility remains for backcountry travelers to trigger persistent slab avalanches up to three feet deep. These deeper slabs could also step down from the release of a wind slab. Below 7,500 feet, skiers and riders might be able to trigger an isolated pocket of soft slab in very steep terrain.

Regions covered