Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Human triggered avalanches with depths up to 3 feet are possible in very steep, shaded terrain above 8,000’ today. These avalanches may be triggered without warning and break wider than expected. Smaller wind slabs may also be triggered in very steep, upper elevation terrain that has been recently wind-loaded. Evaluate the snowpack carefully for instability and give suspect terrain a wide margin.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Weak layers of snow including surface hoar and facets that formed during a month-long dry period in January are buried 2-3 feet below the surface on shaded slopes. Very steep, northerly aspects above 8,000’ are the most dangerous and where we continue to see human triggered avalanches. Triggering an avalanche large enough to bury a person is possible in these locations today. Wind-loaded slopes will produce the largest avalanches, but avalanches are also possible in sheltered terrain. Avalanches involving weak snow from January may break wider than expected and could fail after multiple riders have ridden the slope. Signs of instability including recent avalanches or collapses in the snowpack may not be present before triggering. Though less likely, remote triggers may still be possible on isolated terrain features. Give yourself a wide margin of safety around very steep and shaded slopes today.

    Most recent persistent slab avalanche events have occurred on the west and south side of the Tetons. Weak layers are better preserved and more widespread in these areas.

    A very large skier triggered avalanche that occurred near Phillips Pass on 2/21/2026. The 5th rider on the slope triggered the smaller slab near the ridge, that then triggered a much larger avalanche below the cliff band.

    ENE at 9,200'

     

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Moderate winds out of the west and southwest within the past 72 hours have redistributed recent snow and formed slabs up to a foot deep in isolated pockets of wind-loaded, upper-elevation terrain. Several small wind slabs were triggered by skiers south of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort two days ago. These slabs are becoming difficult to trigger, but may be sensitive to the weight of a rider in some pieces of very steep terrain. While unlikely, surface slabs could step down to deeper weak layers in very steep, north facing terrain features. If this occurs, avalanches may break deeper and wider than expected.

    Wind speeds are expected to increase today. Although there is little loose snow available for transport, be on the lookout for blowing snow and drifting which would indicate the potential for new slab development.

Avalanche Discussion

Today will be a transitional day as a storm approaches on Tuesday. Temperatures look warm, but cloud cover should limit warming of the snow surface today. Still, be on the lookout for signs of warming if the sun comes out for longer than expected. If surface crusts break down and snow becomes wet, then there is some chance for small loose avalanches in steep southerly terrain. Adjust your travel plans accordingly.

Small, recently formed wind slabs exist on loaded features at the highest elevations. Watch for these slabs and remember that getting caught in a small avalanche in consequential terrain can have a bad outcome.

Avalanches are still being triggered on the January Drought Layer. Recent reports from the west side of the Tetons and Teton pass indicate that these slabs are becoming harder to trigger and signs of instability are not always present. A very large avalanche was triggered near Phillips Pass on Saturday (2/21). The 5th rider on the slope triggered a small slab, which then initiated a much larger slab. Events like this showcase the difficult to predict nature of this problem. Many slopes have been ridden without issue, but instability still exists in some areas. The recurring theme with these avalanches seems to be that they are being triggered where facets and surface hoar from the January drought were best preserved. Northerly facing terrain from 8,000’ - 9,500’ that is sheltered from the wind is the bullseye. Digging in the top 2-3 feet of the snowpack can help identify these weak layers, but giving suspect terrain a wide margin is the best way to manage this problem for the time being.

Please consider submitting an observation here if you are out in the mountains today. Recent observations have been excellent and improve our forecasts. Thank you!

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