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

Incoming snow today with moderate south/southwest wind will create unstable new snow and increase avalanche danger throughout the day. Triggering avalanches around a foot deep will be possible on wind loaded terrain by this evening. Pay attention to the amount of new snow accumulation and active snow transport by the wind throughout your travels while assessing the new snow stability across different aspects.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    6-8 inches of snow is forecasted by this evening with south/southwest wind 15-20 mph gusting 30-40 mph. Fresh wind slabs could form around 12 inches deep on open and exposed terrain to the wind. These wind slabs will be loaded on leeward and cross loaded terrain features on a variety of aspects.Wind slabs will be most reactive while they are actively forming, so keep a lookout for snow transport. Other signs of instability including cracking or stiffened surfaces and large pillows/drifts formed.

    Although less reactive and smaller, storm slab avalanches 6-8 inches deep will be possible on sheltered terrain. New snow will fall on a variety of surfaces including slick melt freeze crusts on southerly aspects. Perform quick hand shear tests to assess new snow stability.

    (3/9/2025)

    Shooting cracks provide a clear indication of unstable snow on wind loaded terrain. 

    Photo: Alex Drinkard

  • Loose Wet

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

    Temperatures remained above freezing in the lower elevations and valleys last night with chances of rain today. Small wet loose avalanches will be likely in lower elevations, especially on northerly aspects that still contain dry, cold snow. These northerly aspects did not experience the wet loose cycle seen on slopes facing the sun. Although these avalanches start small, they can entrain large amounts of snow and run into terrain traps. Look for signs of the snow destabilizing such as natural wet slides and roller balls or pinwheels.

Avalanche Discussion

Back in the Storm

The messaging is straight forward today. Avalanche danger will be directly correlated to the amount of new snow the Tetons receive during the day. Avalanche danger could reach the upper end of Moderate danger if snowfall amounts reach the high end totals of 10 inches in areas significantly favored by the storm. Today is a great day to hone in your skills at assessing new snow stability. You will see changing conditions throughout the day. The reactivity of new snow could vary by aspect depending on the new to old snow interface. A variety of surfaces blanketed the mountains prior to this storm including crusts, wind-packed architecture, or preserved powder with isolated areas of near surface facets or surface hoar on sheltered, shaded terrain. Assess how all these different surfaces are bonding to the new snow. Enjoy the powder and don't let the chase for deeper snow hypnotize you into complacency. 

Regions covered