Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The Winter Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service remains in effect until 6:00 PM this evening. Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist at the upper elevations, and travel in and under avalanche terrain is not recommended. Skiers and riders are very likely to trigger large to very large wind slabs and loose snow sloughs in steep avalanche terrain. Natural activity is also likely. Dangerous avalanche conditions exists at the mid and lower elevations, and conservative terrain choices and excellent snowpack evaluation skills will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain. There, skiers and riders could easily trigger similar slides, and natural activity is possible. Warming temperatures, valley rain or breaks in cloud cover could result in wet slides at the lower elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    2–3

    In the past 24 hours, the Tetons have received between 12 and 24 inches of snow with densities between 8% and 10%. Southerly to southwesterly ridgetop winds accompanied this snowfall, and upside-down wind slabs have formed. These slabs reside on a variety of snow surfaces which include crusts, wind pack and settled snow. In steep avalanche terrain, skiers and riders could easily trigger these slabs with depths ranging from one to three feet. Breaks in cloud cover could increase the likelihood of these avalanches on sunlit aspects.

Avalanche Discussion

Periods of light to moderate snowfall will be possible overnight in the northern portion of the forecast zone before dissipating during the day on Monday. Skies may begin to clear in the afternoon. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low 20s before climbing into the mid-30s during the day. The valleys may drop below freezing tonight before rising into the low 40s in the afternoon. Southwesterly ridgetop winds will decrease to 5 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Considerable above 9,000 feet in the Tetons and Moderate elsewhere. Temperatures and sunshine will be the two primary factors for the avalanche hazard on Monday. In steep avalanche terrain where the highest snowfall amounts occurred, skiers and riders could trigger newly developed wind slabs with depths from one to three feet. Small pockets of human triggered slab will be possible on steep slopes that only received modest amounts of snowfall. As the day warms, these slabs will become more susceptible to failure, especially if skies clear in the afternoon. Wet slides will also become a concern as the day heats up. Evaluate the amount of new snow in the terrain through which you’re traveling, and monitor warming conditions and solar input.

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