Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Human-triggered avalanches are possible today. In the upper and middle elevations wind slabs will grow in size from additional snow accumulation and gusty winds out of the SW. You are most likely to find this problem in the middle and upper elevations on leeward-facing slopes and terrain features. At low elevations triggering wet loose slides will be likely, especially if the snow is falling onto wet surfaces. Be mindful as you approach avalanche terrain of how the snow is bonding and use test slopes to gauge its reactivity. Watch for sagging cornices, while a hazard in themselves, they can also fail and trigger additional slides.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Overnight snow totals varied from the east and west sides of the Tetons - 2'' at Rendezvous Bowl and 9'' at Chief Joseph, Targhee. Winds will be gusty today from the SW and will allow the formation of wind slabs throughout the day, possibly growing to 1-2 feet, primarily in leeward-facing terrain and various terrain features. With continued snowfall and wind, expect these to become more pronounced. Pay attention to how the snow is bonding to the old surfaces, this will provide feedback on how reactive wind slabs may become once they get larger and pose more of a threat. Wind slab depths may become deep enough to knock a rider down or push them in consequential terrain. 

    (3/21/2023)

    A photo from earlier this spring, that highlights small steep test slopes and reactive storm snow. 

    Photo: Drinkard

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1

    While temperatures have finally begun to cool down, the lower elevations experienced several days without a substantial refreeze. That in combination with a spring storm - that has deposited both snow and rain down low - will likely lead to small human-triggered wet loose avalanches in steep terrain.

    (4/10/2023)

    Wet loose and wet slab avalanches on SW-facing terrain above Jackson at low elevations. 

    Photo: Antonioli

Avalanche Discussion

Just when you were dusting off your bike, a spring storm is on our doorstep. While most of the avalanche problems associated with it will be confined to the new snow and wind, areas where poor structure has been present like Togwotee Pass, the Greys, Wyoming Range, and the Hoback/Snake River Canyon still pose a threat for triggering wet slab avalanches given the lack of cold temperatures. As you travel through the mountains today, be mindful of how the new snow is bonding to the old surface and pay attention to increases in precipitation and wind speeds - with wind slabs potentially growing in size by the end of the day in the upper elevations. Utilize test slopes to gauge the reactivity of the new snow and practice safe travel techniques. 

Regions covered