Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

The avalanche danger remains Considerable at upper elevations today. Human triggered avalanches are likely and natural avalanches are possible. Shooting cracks and evidence of other avalanches nearby will be your signal that the snowpack is unstable. Slabs will be easily large enough to bury a person. You’ll find smaller but equally reactive slabs at mid-elevations. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully today.**Special Statement**Grand Targhee Resort will be closed to all uphill traffic until Thursday April 14th, as the resort performs end of season operations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow amounts over the last 48 hours range from 15-17”. Wind slabs one to three feet thick exist on a variety of aspects due to shifting winds. Slopes beneath cliff bands, exits from couloirs, and rollovers beneath cornices should be evaluated carefully for signs of instability such as shooting cracks. Hollow sounding snow, cracking or pillow-like formations of snow are indicators that drifting snow has formed slabs.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    In very steep terrain loose snow avalanches will have the potential to gather enough volume to knock skiers and riders over and into terrain traps. These avalanches could gather the 24-30" of snow that has fallen since Sunday. If entering steep terrain expect snow that was not wind affected to move readily and run long distances.

Avalanche Discussion

Snow shower activity should subside for a few hours this evening before another round of moisture arrives. This storm system will favor the southern forecast zone and the Tetons with up to sixteen inches of snow in the mountains. Togwotee will pick up about six inches. Winds during the storm will be from the southwest and west at 20-25 mph with gusts to 35 mph. Temperatures during the storm tomorrow will rise to the mid to upper twenties. Reactive wind and storm slabs will develop through the day tomorrow. The new wind slabs and warming temperatures during the storm make human triggering likely and warrant a Considerable danger rating. Avalanches are also likely to entrain the two feet of snow that has fallen since Monday and sits atop a stout melt-freeze crusts. Expect avalanche danger to diminish to Moderate or Low in areas below 7,500’ that have little in the way of a snowpack.

Regions covered