Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 13 years ago.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

Highlights

At the mid and upper elevations humans could trigger shallow, isolated pockets of new wind slab and older denser wind slabs formed by last week storm. On steep northerly aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet these slabs could step down to the ground. These slabs could be triggered by the weight of a person and are likely to be more sensitive to larger triggers like snowmobiles. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully and avoid suspect areas as human involvement with a large slab avalanche could be fatal.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recent winds have formed isolated pockets of dense wind slabs six to 18 inches in depth. In addition dense wind slabs up to three feet in depth remain from last weeks storm. These older wind slabs could still be human triggered where they lie upon buried layers of faceted snow that formed in late November. On steep northerly aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet these slabs could step down to the ground.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    3

    Weak faceted snow at the base of the snow pack on steep shaded aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet remains a concern. Some potential persists for humans, especially those on snowmachines to trigger deep, dangerous hard slabs to the ground in this terrain. Previous tracks should not be interpreted as a sign of stability.

Avalanche Discussion

Two Alberta Clipper type weather systems will drop southward to our east from Canada towards the plains in a northwesterly flow. These fast moving systems will provide some reinforcing cold air before temperatures begin to slowly moderate on Wednesday. On Tuesday skies will be mostly cloudy with a chance of light snowfall or flurries. Temperatures will be in the single digits below zero in the mountains and in the single digits above zero in the valleys. Winds will be westerly at 15 to 25 miles per hour. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at the mid and upper elevations (7,500 to 10,500 feet) and LOW at the lower elevations. Slab avalanches one to three feet in depth could be human triggered in steep wind loaded avalanche paths and are likely to be more sensitive to larger triggers like snowmachines. On steep northerly aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet these slabs could step down to the ground. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.

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