Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Natural avalanches will become likely this afternoon and tonight as new and wind-driven snow overload a weak snowpack. Be very cautious near any wind-loaded slopes above 8,500’ today and expect to trigger large avalanches that can fail above, beside as well as below you. Slabs will become touchy and up to three feet or more deep in wind loaded areas while the shallow, early-season snowpack will make any ride painful or worse. Avoid being on or under avalanche terrain as the snow begins to pile up today.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect through tomorrow at 5pm. Expect wind gusts to 50 mph and snowfall rates of an inch per hour through this period.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Over the past week, there were 20 avalanches reported in the backcountry, all of which entrained the entirety of the snow that fell since mid-November. These wind slabs measured one to two feet thick and two to three feet thick on some higher elevation, northerly slopes. The wind slabs entrained snow down to weak layers below and in some places involved all of the snow to the ground. Strong wind gusting into the fifty miles per hour range and new snow falling at rates up to an inch per hour will begin this pattern all over again today.

    (12/8/2025) This avalanche was triggered yesterday. Poor visibility prevented good observations/ photos of this avalanche that occurred following a ski cut and propagated around a cliff band. Photo: Matt

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Several weak layers formed during the periods of drought in November. These layers were beginning to adjust to the new snow load but will be reactivated again today. Expect avalanches to involve all of the snow down to the thick crust formed just before Thanksgiving. Avalanches will run faster and farther on this crust where it is continuous. The focus of the recent avalanche activity was on northeast aspects though avalanches still occurred on northwest through southeast aspects which were sheltered from strong sunshine and warm temperatures in November.

    The crown of these avalanches are the depth at which new slabs today will start. expect them to be almost twice as thick if the forecasted snow totals pan out.

Avalanche Discussion

Exact snowfall amounts will vary north to south but the potential range of 8-12” of new snow by nightfall combined with strong wind is enough to cause significant avalanche concerns. Additionally, warm temperatures will weaken pre-existing slabs and make for touchy, upside-down conditions. Even the heavily travelled, skier-impacted slopes at Teton Pass, which were settling down over the past couple days, are likely to resume their whoompfing and cracking. Keep a close eye on developing snowfall amounts and wind speeds today.

Regions covered