Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

At the upper elevations, the possibility continues for skiers and riders to trigger slab avalanches that have been formed by recent snow and wind. Watch for areas of obvious wind loading in very steep terrain, particularly near ridge crests and in cliff areas and couloirs. At the mid and low elevations, avalanches are unlikely except for in isolated pockets in the steepest terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Winds have been primarily from the south and southwest most recently but have varied over many directions during the last several days.  Where winds have been strongest, particularly near or above 10,000' snow continues to be transported and slabs continue to reload and remain susceptible to human triggering. Yesterday these slabs were sensitive in some areas. One slab was reported and snow structure tests indicated instability other high elevation terrain. If triggered these slabs could have depths of a foot to eighteen inches. See observation page for more details. 

    (1/7/2023) Wind slab triggered on east side of Teton range. 

Avalanche Discussion

The Teton forecast area is in a fairly stable and straight forward scenario. The avalanche danger is primarily located in wind loaded areas where snow has recently been deposited in high elevations. This by no means indicates a green light for going everywhere without concern. There have been many avalanche accidents in the Tetons under these conditions when most slopes are stable or slabs seem very small and manageable. Remember that the slab depth is likely to increase just over a bulge or rollover and that since these slabs are getting firm, they are more likely to fail once commitment has been made several turns down a slope or part way down a couloir. 

Note the avalanche event table and map is now populating. It can be found on the "avalanche event archive" link on the Observation tab or by going to:

https://bridgertetonavalanchecenter.org/avalanche-events/

Regions covered