Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

New snow and wind have made triggering an avalanche 1-2 feet deep possible in steep, wind loaded terrain at the upper elevations. Larger avalanches that fail on weak layers buried 2-4 feet deep are unlikely, but carry high consequences. Evaluate wind drifted snow carefully and be prepared to move to low angle terrain if you observe signs of instability such as cracking. Avalanches are unlikely in the low elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The upper elevations of the Tetons have received 12-18 inches of new snow in the past 36 hours. Moderate to strong winds out of the northwest have redistributed this snow and formed soft slabs 1-2 feet deep on the leeward sides of ridges and slopes above 9,000’. These slabs will be most sensitive to the weight of a rider in very steep (>35°) and exposed starting zones. Be on the lookout for signs of wind loading including fresh drifts, textured surfaces, and hollow sounding snow. Shooting cracks indicate unstable snow. Be prepared to move to sheltered, low angle terrain if these conditions are observed.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak layers of snow that are buried 2-4 feet below the surface are trending towards dormancy. Large hard slab avalanches involving these layers are unlikely and will likely require a large trigger such as a surface avalanche or a cornice failure. Four days ago, a large avalanche, likely triggered by a wind slab was reported in Saint Patty's Day Couloir. The last human triggered avalanche involving faceted snow in the bottom third of the snowpack occurred on December 27th. Very steep (>35°), rocky, and unsupported terrain features are most suspect. This avalanche problem is currently a low likelihood/high consequence scenario. Choosing terrain that reduces your exposure to overhead hazards and practicing safe travel habits are important given this setup.

    A wind slab avalanche that likely stepped down into old snow. 

    (1/9/2025) St. Patty's Day Couloir SS-R3-D2.5-N-O. 

    Photo: Brian Smith

Avalanche Discussion

The most recent storm has delivered up to 18 inches of snow and a healthy dose of wind to the Tetons in the past 36 hours. Winds were strongest on Saturday morning (1/11) and have since decreased. Little avalanche activity was reported yesterday despite the windy conditions and wind slab development has been mostly limited to terrain on the leeward side of exposed ridgelines. It should be noted that the majority of yesterday's observations were from below 10,000’. Be on the lookout for newly formed wind slabs and steer clear of steep, loaded features if traveling to the upper elevations today. 

Weak layers persist deep in the snowpack and require persistent patience. A wind slab could be a big enough trigger to impact these layers. Therefore, it is important to keep them on your radar as you travel today.

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