Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist in the Tetons today. New snow and wind have formed slabs up to 2 feet in wind-loaded areas. Use caution around steep, rocky, northerly slopes, where weak layers buried 3 to 4 feet deep need time to adjust to the new snow. Cracking and collapsing are sure signs of unstable snow, but deeper weak layers may not show signs of instability until the slope avalanches. The safest riding will be on sheltered slopes less than 30°. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    A foot of snow fell in the last 24 hours with moderate southwest winds and gusts up to 48 mph at 10,000 feet. New drifts of up to 2 feet have formed on lee aspects and around cross-loaded terrain features like gulleys, rocky outcrops, and exposed convexities at middle and upper elevations. These soft slabs will be sensitive to the weight of a person. Look for shooting cracks and stiff pillows. These drifts could be sitting on older, deeper, weak layers, especially on northerly aspects with the potential for larger avalanches.

    Storm slabs and sluffing: Rapid loading of up to 12” of new snow will also make triggering avalanches in terrain sheltered from the wind across all elevations possible. Test the new snow to see how it is bonding before committing to avalanche terrain over 30°.

     

    (12/27/2024)

    Skier triggered avalanche above Phillips Bench. North aspect at 9,600 feet. Approximate slab depth 1 foot.

    Photo: Pete Ginsbury

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    A lot of weight was added to the snowpack yesterday, and it will need time to adjust. Weak snow layers persist in the snowpack, and test pits continue to show propagation in the top 3 feet of snow at middle and upper elevations. Snowpack evaluation is essential to determine if weak layers exist on a slope.  This problem is more likely to be found on west through north through east aspects and could be up to 4 feet deep at higher elevations. Triggering an avalanche is more likely in areas where the overlying slab is thinner and buried weak layers are impacted more easily  - think steep rocky slopes and wind-affected areas. A slope could fail when impacted by the first person or after it has been crossed many times. Use caution and realize that tracks are not always an indication of stability. 

    Pit from 12/30.

    Snow height was 6 ft.

    Photo: Travis Baldwin

Avalanche Discussion

Things have been relatively quiet in the Tetons since last week’s storm, with one D2 a handful of D1 and D1.5 avalanches reported and an explosive triggered D2.5 on the west side. These events are meaningful and highlight the fact that weak layers persist and just need the right trigger. As you are out in the mountains today, keep in mind that the snowpack just received a large load and may need time to adjust. The obvious clues like new avalanches, cracking and collapsing will be there, so pay attention. Fresh powder has a way of luring you into steep, shady slopes that may not show any signs of buried weak snow until it’s too late. Consider the consequence if the slope you are on avalanches.

Please send us your observations; it helps us out tremendously! Call or text pictures to 307-564-3050.

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