Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The danger is Low in the mid and upper elevations. Triggering an avalanche is unlikely today, but not impossible. Very steep terrain in the upper elevations is the most likely place to encounter unstable snow. Remember that ‘Low’ danger does not mean ‘No’ danger.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    While avalanche activity is unlikely, it cannot be ruled out 100%. Weak layers 1-3 feet below the surface continue to show the potential for isolated avalanche activity. Thin spots in the slab, where the weak layer is closer to the surface, is the most likely trigger point in a given piece of terrain. Upper elevation slopes that have been wind affected (scoured, loaded, cross loaded) are where you will encounter thin spots. Getting carried and caught in even a small avalanche has the potential for significant injury due to the presence of rocks and other obstacles close to the surface.

    (12/28/2023)

    The North side of Mt Glory.  North facing terrain (shaded) is wind scoured, south facing terrain is crust and east facing terrain in this photo was spared the wind and sun but is harboring near surface facets,

    Photo: John Fitzgerald

Avalanche Discussion

The snowpack structure is poor in the majority of terrain, in that there is a layer of weak snow sitting under a slab. Snowpit tests are continuing to show the potential for propagation. Fortunately, this is not translating to avalanche activity. It has been almost three weeks since the last avalanche was reported in the Tetons. A lack of significant load combined with time and settlement has allowed the snowpack to become more stable. As a result, it is unlikely that a person will trigger an avalanche today, as these weak layers are proving to be dormant.

As this dry period of weather continues, it is important to track snow surfaces. This will become increasingly important with any measurable precipitation in the forecast. Currently there exists a wide range of surfaces, with weak snow in sheltered locations and sun and wind effect in exposed terrain. Having a good handle on these surfaces and their general distribution will help in anticipating the next round of avalanche activity.

Regions covered