Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 13 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

At 3 PM yesterday a group of skiers remotely triggered a large slab avalanche on the Mini Hoback that took out trees and ran full path. Reports of large avalanches that released naturally are being submitted to the Center as clearing skies afford views of the backcountry. By definition the general avalanche hazard is considerable today because natural avalanche activity is possible and human triggered avalanches are likely. In reality most fatal avalanches accidents occur during periods of considerable or moderate hazard. The combination of warming temperatures, enticing sunny skies and large unstable slabs is a recipe for an accident. Expert knowledge must be paired with restraint and conservative terrain choices for safe travel in avalanche terrain today.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–3

    The recent storm cycle has created dense slabs up to six feet in depth. In some areas these slabs lie upon weak faceted snow. These dangerous slabs can be triggered remotely by light loads, such as a single single skier or rider, and are often triggered from areas where the snowpack is shallow or weak. These slabs can be very destructive. Due to the variability in the strength and the spacial distribution of the underlying faceted layers, these persistent slabs could be triggered on a variety of aspects at all elevations. Field observations seem to indicate that these slabs are most likely to be human triggered at the mid elevations.

Avalanche Discussion

Skies are expected to be mostly sunny on Thursday with temperatures rising into the mid 20s and 30s. Winds will northwesterly at 10 to 20 miles per hour with higher gusts.With sunshine and mild temperatures in the forecast natural avalanche activity remains a possibility and large human triggered avalanches are likely on a variety of aspects at all elevations. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE. Conservative decisions regarding terrain choices are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.

Regions covered