Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Human-triggered avalanches are likely at all elevations where winds have transported new snow. These avalanches could act as a trigger, causing a larger more destructive avalanche on weak layers buried 2-4 feet deep. Safer conditions can be found on slopes less than 30°, sheltered from the wind. 

 An avalanche fatality occurred one week ago today on Togwotee Pass. Our sincere condolences go out to all those impacted by this avalanche. The full report can be found here.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Today, up to a foot of new snow and moderate winds from the west have formed new wind slabs 1 to 3 feet thick at all elevations. Expect to find this problem along ridgelines, on leeward slopes, and in cross-loaded terrain features such as gullies. These slabs will continue developing throughout the day as moderate winds shift to the northwest, with the greatest sensitivity occurring at middle and upper elevations. Watch for obvious signs of instability such as cracking and collapsing. Steer clear of areas where winds have created fresh drifts, cornices, or stiffened snow surfaces. Wind slab avalanches could step down into buried weak layers, causing a larger more destructive avalanche. Riding on gentler terrain (<30°), sheltered from the wind, will help you avoid these avalanches. 

    (1/4/2025)

    A small human triggered wind slab at 9,100'. Crown depth ranged from 4-12" and propagated about 100 feet across the slope.

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Weak layers of snow that were buried in mid-December are becoming more unreactive. Triggering a large avalanche at depths between 2-4 feet is unlikely but not impossible. This avalanche problem is currently a low likelihood/high consequence scenario. If venturing into bigger, steeper terrain, remember that these layers lurk deeper in the snowpack.  It will probably take a larger trigger, such as a smaller avalanche or large cornice, to impact these deep layers. Two days ago, a large avalanche, likely triggered by a wind slab, was reported in Saint Patty's Day Couloir. Very steep (>35°), rocky, and unsupported terrain features should still be approached with caution. Pick terrain that reduces your exposure to overhead hazards in the event your assessment of deeper weak layers is wrong. Using safe travel protocols will help to minimize your chances of triggering an avalanche. 

    A wind slab avalanche that likely stepped down into old snow. 

    (1/9/2025) St. Patty's Day Couloir SS-R3-D2.5-N-O. 

    Photo: Brian Smith

Avalanche Discussion

Stay alert for new snow instabilities today. Slopes over 30 degrees that are unaffected by the winds may still produce new snow avalanches. Keep an eye out for signs of instability. Snow totals vary across the zone. The west side of the Tetons and terrain near JHMR received up to a foot of snow, while areas near Teton Pass received less. Pay attention to the conditions around you and remember NW winds will continue to transport snow throughout the day.

 Please consider submitting an observation HERE. Observations allow everyone to gain a better and more complete understanding of conditions. Thank you to everyone who has submitted observations this season!

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