Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Again, temperatures in the mountains are a few degrees warmer than yesterday. The chance continues for riders or skiers to trigger slab avalanches at the mid and high elevations. These slabs were formed during heavy snow and strong winds last week and will be more prone to failure this afternoon as daytime warming occurs. The chance for wet slide activity will also increase this afternoon as snow surfaces soften. Evaluate the snowpack, particularly surface conditions, in the backcountry today and select routes to avoid these avalanche problems.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    Although the dense to hard slabs formed last week have gained strength, failure remains possible on weak snow or hard crust layers buried during the early days of the storm. These slabs could have depths from one to four feet. The potential to trigger these slabs will increase with warming temperatures and direct sunlight. Beware of cornice areas today as potential cornice failure could also trigger one of the potentially very large slabs.

  • Wet Slabs

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

    As the snow surface warms, wet loose and possibly wet slab avalanches could be triggered this afternoon in terrain that is warm, sunlit and steep. This activity is less likely at low elevations where nighttime temperatures have been significantly colder and a thick rain crust is abundant.

Avalanche Discussion

On Thursday, conditions look to be warmest yet, with inversion conditions and light winds setting the stage early. Temperatures on summits could reach above the freezing point while areas at eight to nine thousand feet reach the forties. The difference will be clouds increasing during the day with snowfall developing Thursday night at the higher elevations. The general avalanche hazard will be Moderate above 9000 feet and will increase from Low to Moderate below that elevation. At higher elevations, the chance remains to trigger storms formed during last week’s storm with depths of one to four feet. This possibility will increase during the afternoon. Wet slide activity will also become possible in very steep terrain that is weakened by sunlight and warm temperatures.

Regions covered