Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

It will be possible to trigger avalanches up to a foot in depth in very steep wind loaded terrain in the upper elevations today.  Deeper weak layers in the snowpack remain a lingering threat, especially in large complex terrain. Avalanches are unlikely in the lower elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Isolated pockets of wind slab in the 1 foot range that formed over the last 36 hours exist in the upper elevations and remain a problem for today. The likelihood of triggering is on a downward trend with the passage of time as well as a drop in temperatures. Very steep (>35 degrees)terrain and thin spots in the slab are the most likely places to trigger wind slabs. Watch for shooting cracks and snow that has been deposited on the leeward side of ridges. Avoiding these areas will be the best bet for managing this problem today.

    (1/6/2025)

    A snowboarder triggered avalanche in very steep terrain, SE 9800 feet on Jan 6.  Expect similar activity in this type of terrain today.

    Photo: Alex Drinkard

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak layers of snow that were buried in mid December are gradually moving into a dormant phase. Triggering an avalanche at depths between 2-4 feet are unlikely but not impossible. This avalanche problem is currently a low likelihood/high consequence scenario. If venturing into bigger and steeper terrain remember that these layers lurk deeper down in the snowpack. Pick terrain that gives you escape options in the event that your assessment of deeper weak layers is wrong.  Using safe travel protocols will help to minimize exposure. Travel one at a time, use islands of safety when stopping and keep communication going throughout the day.

    (1/5/2025)

    A large cornice triggered avalanche on the backside of Grand Targhee that likely occurred sometime around 1/3. This avalanche failed on weak snow deeper in the snowpack.

    Photo: Katie Cooney

Avalanche Discussion

The Teton Range is on the tail end of a slow steady loading cycle. Measurable snowfall has been recorded nearly every day since December 23rd. Cohesive slabs of snow 3-4 feet thick lie above weak snow that developed earlier in the winter. In many places, the weight of a rider is unlikely to impact the weak snow buried near the ground. Yet, it is important to remember that the snowpack is still under stress. Ten day cumulative snow water equivalent (SWE) values peaked yesterday around 5.6 inches. This is a significant amount of weight and adjustment to loading takes time. Cornice and explosive triggered avalanches failing on deeply buried facets are reminders of what lurks below. Instabilities in the middle of the snowpack that developed around the Christmas storm have been largely unreactive over the past week despite snow pit tests showing mixed results. The snowpack will continue to adjust over the next week of relatively quiet weather and instability will trend downward. For the time being, it is important to maintain safe travel habits and approach steep terrain with a healthy dose of skepticism.

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