Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

It will be possible to trigger small avalanches in steep upper elevation terrain today. Recent winds have formed slabs up to 1 foot in depth that will be sensitive to the weight of a person. In terrain sheltered from the wind, avalanches are unlikely today.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow that fell yesterday is being redistributed by the wind this morning. Winds have shifted from west to northeast and in some locations are in the 30 mph range. This shift is helping to build slabs that will be sensitive to human triggers, especially as they are forming. Look out for signs of wind loading such as rounded, pillowed or stiff snow surfaces. Shooting cracks are an indicator that the snow is unstable. Wind slabs today will generally be less than a foot in depth. If travelling in the higher elevations, use caution around ridgelines and exposed leeward slopes,  where wind slabs typically form. Triggering a wind slab today holds the potential to knock you off of your feet and lose control. This becomes a more serious issue when travelling above terrain traps such as gullies, cliff bands and trees.

     

     

    (1/22/2025)

    A small windslab from the ridgeline of Taylor Mountain. 

Avalanche Discussion

Winds over the last week have created instability in the upper foot of the snowpack in wind exposed terrain. New snow that fell yesterday has fallen on a wide variety of surfaces including crusts, facets and older wind slabs. The dramatic shift in wind direction overnight is creating slabs in terrain that typically does not see wind loading. Be aware of this, especially when travelling in familiar terrain. Assess the snowpack with an awareness of this unusual pattern today to avoid triggering.

Regions covered