Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 10 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Skiers and riders that choose to enter major, active avalanche paths where the October rain crust and facet combination is present could trigger very large and dangerous slab avalanches. In steep, wind-loaded terrain at the mid and upper elevations, backcountry travelers could also trigger small to large winds slabs. These slides, along with loose snow sluffs, have the potential to sweep people over cliff bands or into terrain traps. Make conservative terrain choices and come home to your friends and family this holiday season. At the lower elevations, avalanches are unlikely except in isolated terrain features.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    3

    On westerly through northerly to easterly aspects above 9,000 feet, deep slabs lie upon faceted snow and hard crusts. A single skier or rider might still be able to impact this weak layer and trigger a very large, destructive avalanche with slab depths up to six feet. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles, are more likely to cause failure of this weak layer. Previous tracks are not an indication of stability with a deep slab problem.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Southerly to southeasterly ridgetop winds combined with eight to ten inches of new snow to form wind slabs in leeward terrain. Skiers and riders could trigger these slabs to depths of one to two feet on steep, wind-loaded slopes. This wind pattern is atypical; expect to find new slabs in unusual places.

Avalanche Discussion

A moist northwest flow brought several inches of new snow to the west slope of the Teton Range and the west slope of the Continental Divide near Togwotee Pass during the afternoon hours today. Snow shower activity is expected to favor these areas overnight. Skies will be partly cloudy on Monday. Temperatures will be in the single digits and teens. Winds will be westerly at 15 miles per hour with higher gusts.Dense slabs formed by winds that have moved around the compass could be triggered by skiers and riders at the mid and upper elevations. These slabs are generally expected to be one to two feet in depth but could be up to three feet deep. At the upper elevations deep persistent slabs with depth to six feet continue to be a serious threat, especially for larger triggers such as snowmobilers. Conservative terrain choices are warranted. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE above an elevation of 9,000 feet, MODERATE at the mid elevations and LOW below an elevation of 7,500 feet.

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