Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Soft to hard slabs have formed from from seven days of snowfall that have included periods of very strong winds. Backcountry riders and skiers could easily trigger these slabs in steep to very steep terrain today. Yesterday avalanches hit the highway on Teton Pass. These slides were triggered by mitigation efforts on Twin Slides and Beaver Slide and several other steep road cuts released naturally. Strong winds at low elevations yesterday evening brought down power lines near Teton Village and the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort will remain closed today. Careful snowpack evaluation and conservative decision making is essential today.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Very strong southwest to west winds over the past week have formed slabs in the backcountry. These slabs could release on density breaks throughout the storm cycle with depths of six inches to as much as four feet at the higher elevations. At lower elevations, slabs to eighteen inches are possible. These slabs will be very sensitive to human triggers and could possibly release naturally today, especially in areas where significant warming occurs.

Avalanche Discussion

A major warm and wet system is to impact the area tonight into Friday. Precipitation should start this evening as snow at all elevations. The snow is to turn to rain in the valleys with the rain/snow line rising to 8000 feet Thursday afternoon. Winds from the southwest are to have 25 to 35 mph averages. Over a foot of snow is expected at the higher elevations by Thursday evening. An avalanche warning has been issued for the area from 1am Thursday until 1am Friday. The avalanche hazard will be HIGH. Rapid loading from wind and snow will further load existing slabs at higher leeward terrain. Rain will quickly weaken the snowpack at lower elevations. Natural avalanche activity is likely as wind slabs in higher terrain and as wet slabs in lower terrain. These slides could entrain significant amounts of snow and impact highways and roads. Also beware of the serious threat posed by roof slides.

Regions covered