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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Yesterday, a couple of skier triggered slides were reported at the upper elevations on the north side of Teton Pass. These slabs were a foot deep and occurred on southeasterly and northeasterly aspects. At the mid and upper elevations, skiers and riders could trigger similar small to large wind slabs in steep avalanche terrain. If extended periods of sunshine occur, these slabs may become more susceptible to failure in the afternoon. The west side of the Tetons were favored with last night’s snowfall, and loose snow sluffs involving the new snow will be more likely there. Monitor the effect of the sun, and be willing to alter your travel plans if conditions warrant. The lower elevation snowpack has undergone multiple melt-freeze cycles, and significant avalanche activity is unlikely.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Up to two feet of snow has accumulated since the middle of the week. Southwesterly ridgetop winds accompanied this snowfall forming wind slabs in leeward terrain. These slabs reside above sun crusts, surface hoar and dense, settled snow. Backcountry travelers venturing onto steep, avalanche prone slopes above 7,500 feet could trigger these slabs with depths ranging from one to two feet. These slabs could be a bit deeper on the west side of the Tetons.

Avalanche Discussion

Expect mostly dry conditions through Sunday. Southwesterly flow aloft will bring a mix of sunshine and cloud cover to the area during the day. Overnight lows in the mountains will drop back into the single digits before climbing into the mid-20s in the afternoon. Valley lows will also be in the single digits, followed by near freezing temperatures in the afternoon. Southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds will range from 5 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to remain Moderate above 7,500 feet on Sunday. Skiers and riders will still have the potential of triggering wind slabs up to two feet deep in steep, wind loaded terrain. Persistent deep slab avalanches remain a threat in the Togwotee Pass and Southwest Trails forecast zones. Snowmobilers are more likely than skiers to impact the weak layers of faceted snow that are buried three to six feet deep. Previous tracks are not an indication of stability for persistent deep slabs. The snowpack below 7,500 feet has gone through several melt-freeze cycles, and avalanche activity will be unlikely on Sunday down low.

Regions covered