Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Strong winds and new snow continue to form wind slabs and load persistent weak layers. The winds are expected to continue through this morning and create very dangerous avalanche conditions at the mid and upper elevations. Two-day storm totals are up to two feet with over 2.5 inches of moisture. At the mid and upper elevations, very large slab avalanches could release naturally or be triggered by the weight of a single person. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended during periods of high hazard. At the lower elevations pockets of wind slab could be human triggered in steep avalanche starting zones.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Winds and new snow continue to increase the load on persistent weak layers that exist near the base of the snowpack. Up to four inches of moisture has been added to the snowpack since December 8. Large slab avalanches could release naturally or be triggered by the weight of a single person. These destructive slab avalanches have been breaking high on slopes into lower angle terrain, have been remotely triggered and could run long distances. These slides could be 3 to 5 feet deep.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs have formed on leeward aspects at all elevations. These slabs could be up to two feet deep at the mid and upper elevations and smaller at the lower elevations. These fresh slabs could be human triggered on steep slopes and may step down to deeply buried layers of faceted snow at the upper elevations, and on northeast through northwest aspects at the mid-elevations.

Avalanche Discussion

Another round of snowfall is slated for tonight and into Saturday, albeit with less of a punch than what has been seen over the past week. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near 10 degrees before rising into the mid-teens during the day. Westerly ridgetop winds will range from 15 to 25 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to remain High at the mid and upper elevations on Saturday, and TRAVEL IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED. In terrain that held snow prior to Thanksgiving, skiers and riders are very likely to trigger large to very large persistent slab avalanches, and natural activity will still be possible. These avalanches could easily kill you or someone in your party. They are breaking high into lower angle terrain and can also be remotely triggered. Abundant new snow is very enticing, especially on weekends early in the season. Don’t fool yourself; this is not the time to be in, around or underneath any avalanche terrain where these persistent slabs reside. Recently developed surface slabs could also be triggered by backcountry travelers, and these smaller slides are likely to step down and release a deeper persistent slab. In steep, wind-loaded terrain at the lower elevations, skiers and riders could trigger smaller slides involving the recent snowfall. There, the avalanche hazard is expected to remain Moderate.

Regions covered