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

Triggering an avalanche 1-3 feet deep is possible today in steep terrain above 7,500', especially where recent wind loading has occurred.  Signs of wind loading may be hidden by more recent snowfall so consider the terrain below you and keep to lower angled slopes if you have any doubts. While most recent avalanches have been in the 18" range or smaller, they could break widely.  Avalanches are unlikely at the low elevations except in isolated pockets of very steep terrain.

 

 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs 1-2 feet thick (perhaps thicker in some spots) formed 3 days ago above 7,500’ during a period of intense snowfall and strong winds out of the south and west. These slabs may be hard or soft and could still be triggered in very steep (>35°), wind loaded terrain like this skier triggered one on Albright and this one on Pucker Face yesterday.  Smaller slabs were triggered easily yesterday in more protected terrain south of Teton Pass and  in the adjacent Snake River zone as well. These slabs are all sitting on top of a stout crust or near surface facets or other weak grains up to 9,000’.  Overall distribution of unstable snow across the terrain remains somewhat uncertain due to relatively few observations but the fact that some of these avalanches were triggered yesterday, several days after the storm,  should raise your hackles.  While most of  these avalanches have been on the smaller side, they could bury you if you slide into a terrain trap.

    Be on the lookout for unstable wind drifted snow while traveling in the mountains and enter any consequential terrain cautiously. Recent avalanches, shooting cracks, and collapses in the snowpack are normally signs of instability but these signs may not be present given the current avalanche problems.  Also, recent reports indicate that wind slabs were triggered after multiple people had ridden a slope. Several inches of low density new snow may obscure surface clues of older slabs and require digging below the surface to verify their existence/reactivity. Time will tell if this weak layer remains reactive and persistent.

    (2/10/2025) Skier triggered wind slab on Albright Peak. Crown depth is 18-24" and produced enough debris in Static Basin to bury a person.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Weak snow that formed during a dry period in the second half of January has been buried 3-5 feet deep by snowfall from the early February storms. These slabs sit on a variety of interfaces, including crusts on solar aspects and facets on shaded aspects. The likelihood of triggering slabs at this interface has decreased over time and is now on the low end of the scale. However, activating this layer may still be possible in very steep terrain. Large triggers such as a surface avalanche, cornice fall, or multiple riders on a slope will increase the odds of impacting these layers in the middle of the snowpack. While the chances of triggering are low, it remains important to stack the odds in your favor by following safe travel protocol. Travel one at a time across steep terrain, use islands of safety, and communicate with your partners.

Avalanche Discussion

A powerful winter storm beginning on February 6th brought about 2 feet of new snow and over 2” of water to the Tetons. Winds out of the southwest/west were notably strong during that time with gusts over 70 mph! As a result, wind slabs were formed on many aspects above 7,500’. On solar and mid elevation terrain, these slabs are sitting on a crust that formed during warm conditions around Feb 4th/5th and may be slower to stabilize than usual. These slabs were most reactive three days ago, but a report of a human triggered avalanche that occurred Sunday (2/9) and the widespread reactivity that Alex found yesterday (2/10) in the Palisades indicates that this problem is still on the table. I found that the layer of concern would collapse in our pit but not propagate a crack. This uncertainty kept us off from riding out of a drainage with overhead hazard. 

The January 31st interface consisting of crusts and facets remains on the radar. This layer has been buried by 5-6 feet of snow containing  nearly 7” of Snow Water Equivalent (SWE). Since that layer was buried 7 days ago, temperatures have been warm, rain has fallen up to 9,000 feet, new snow and wind has stressed the snowpack, and temperatures have now cooled back down. In summary, the snowpack has been put to the test by the weather as well as recent smaller avalanches within the newest snow. While observations have been somewhat limited due to poor visibility, the lack of reported activity at these depths, combined with these weather factors paint a picture of improving stability at this interface.

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

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