Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
No rating
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Highlights

The snowpack at middle elevations and on southerly aspects remains thin for this time of year with many anchors, and obstacles, at or near the surface. More sun sheltered and higher elevations have developed a more continuous bed surface following the several weak storms that have passed through this season. Snowfall today may be heavy at times with moderate to strong winds drifting snow, potentially building wind slabs that could be triggered by a skier or rider. Warming temperatures today may also contribute to an unstable, "upside down" upper snowpack. Look for drifting snow and areas of wind deposited snow, especially along ridgelines in the lee of snow covered, fetch zones. These areas of wind slab may crack and slide under foot or ski later in the day as new and wind driven snow accumulates. If new snow and wind become a problem, seek out lower angled slopes for good turns with reduced avalanche danger. The danger rating will rise to Moderate later today as human-triggered avalanches become possible.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Expect blowing and drifting snow as southwest wind blows 20-25 mph with gusts into the mid-30's mph, possibly higher. Old snow on the ground was drifting at the top of Targhee this morning which is a good indicator of what may occur this afternoon as more new snow falls and wind increases further. Look for these wind slabs in wind sheltered locations in the lee of terrain features and near or below ridgelines. Timing of new snow and wind today is the main driver for the avalanche hazard. There is the potential for slabs up to 18" thick in leeward, sheltered areas from mid to upper elevations.

Avalanche Discussion

Temperatures will continue to cool overnight with continued snowfall in the Tetons and to the south. Winds are likely to increase further with gusts in the mid-40’s mph at upper elevations. The snowpack remains generally shallow for this time of year so avalanche hazards will be limited to wind slabs forming on snow surfaces that survived the warm spells this Fall; mainly sheltered north through east aspects. Another 2-4” snow should fall overnight above 8,000’ and contribute to today’s four inches of snow that’s available for wind transport. Wind speeds will peak overnight and shift to the west and remain westerly at 20-30 mph tomorrow.

Regions covered