Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Moderate avalanche danger exists today. Recent snowfall and strong winds built wind slabs 1 to 2 feet thick. Triggering one of these slabs remains possible today near ridgetops and steep slopes above 8,500’. Look for drifts or pillows of wind loaded snow beneath corniced ridges and cliffs. Also, be aware of the persistent weak layer of sugary snow deeper in the snowpack on northerly aspects. Triggering a larger avalanche on this layer is unlikely but not impossible, especially above 10,000’, due to the recent increased load of snow. Below 8,500’, avalanche danger is Low and avalanches are unlikely.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Numerous 6-20” wind slabs were triggered during mitigation efforts yesterday. It remains possible to trigger wind slabs like these today. The recent storm brought 6-12 inches of new snow and strong winds to the higher elevations with winds shifting from southwest to northwest in the past 48 hours. Look for drifted snow on steep slopes near ridgetops and beneath steep terrain. Hollow sounding snow, cracking or pillow-like formations of snow are indicators that drifting has built these slabs.

Avalanche Discussion

Overnight temperatures will drop into the low teens under clear skies. Tomorrow, temperatures will rise into the mid-thirties at 10,000’ and near fifty in the valleys. Calm wind and clear skies will intensify the heating. By tomorrow morning, the one to two foot thick wind slabs remaining in terrain above 9,000’ will have had over 36 hours to heal and bond. Unfortunately, the strong sun and warm temperatures will rapidly change any stability gained since the snowfall and wind loading ended yesterday afternoon. Expect avalanche danger to rise to Moderate as human triggered and small natural avalanches become possible as slopes begin to heat up. Safer skiing and riding can be found until sun and warm temperatures begin to wet the surface of the snow. Carefully choose your aspect, elevation and timing to avoid this heating. Wet loose avalanches could entrain enough snow to cause harm and potentially trigger a larger slab in isolated areas.

Regions covered