Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Out of date — this forecast expired 11 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Deep slab avalanches were triggered by two different backcountry users in the Teton Pass area on Saturday. One was triggered by a snowboarder on a north aspect of Mt. Oliver. The other was triggered by a skier ascending Taylor Mountain. Similar events are possible today on a variety of aspects at the mid and upper elevations. Due to their size these avalanches are a serious hazard which must managed with a wide margin of safety with respect to terrain choices. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    Dense slabs lie upon a persistent weak layer of faceted snow. These slabs can be triggered by the weight of a single person to depths of two to five feet and are mostly likely to be triggered in steep avalanche starting zones where shallow and deep areas of the overlying slab exist together. These slabs are more susceptible to failure by larger triggers, such as snowmobiles or groups of skiers. Previous tracks are not an indication of stability.

Avalanche Discussion

Increasing moisture in a southwesterly flow should produce some light snowfall in the higher terrain and a chance for some snow showers at the lower elevations. Accumulations of several inches are possible by Tuesday evening in favored areas. Temperatures will remain in the teens and 20s. Winds will be southwest at 5 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard at the mid and upper elevations is expected to be MODERATE. Dense slabs two to five feet in depth could be human triggered in steep terrain. The general avalanche hazard will be LOW below an elevation of 7,500 feet.

Regions covered