Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Triggering avalanches will be likely today. The danger will rise from moderate this morning to considerable by the afternoon in the mid and upper elevations. Slabs up to 2 feet in depth will be sensitive to the weight of a skier or snowmobile. Natural avalanches will be possible in steep upper elevation wind loaded terrain. 

The NWS has issued a Winter Storm Warning that is in effect until Sunday at 11:00 PM

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow and wind overnight has formed slabs in the 1 foot range in wind loaded upper elevation terrain.  These slabs will increase in size with more precipitation and moderate to strong winds forecasted through the day. Be on the lookout for obvious signs of instability such as recent avalanches, shooting cracks and whoompfing. These signs are clear indicators that the snow is ripe for avalanching and warrant more simple terrain choices.

    Storm snow instabilities may also be found in terrain sheltered from the wind where snowfall amounts approach the 1 foot range or higher. The new snow is falling on a wide variety of surfaces. Assume that the snow will be unstable while travelling in the mountains today. Keep an eye on your partners, regroup in non-avalanche terrain and travel one at a time if venturing into steep terrain.

    (12/30/2024)

    Signs of wind transport @ 9,600’

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

A prolonged period of dry weather came to an end yesterday. Snow surfaces prior to the onset of precipitation are what can be described as a dog's breakfast. Crusts can be found on west-south-east aspects, weak faceted snow on west-north-east, stiff windboard on east-north-west in the upper elevations, and facets on many aspects in the lower elevations. Regardless of the underlying surface, expect to find instability in many areas, especially as the day progresses and new snow stacks up. During periods of higher precipitation intensity avalanche activity will be on the rise regardless of the old snow/new snow interface. Areas experiencing enhanced loading from the wind will be even more prone to avalanching. Today is a good day to stick to lower angled terrain, and use avoidance as the primary tactic for managing new snow instability.

If you see avalanche activity today, please consider submitting an observation HERE. Observations allow everyone to gain a better and more complete understanding of conditions. 

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