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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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Dangerous persistent slab avalanches remain the primary hazard. Above 7,500 feet, these avalanches have the potential to be very large with slab depths to four feet and could be triggered by the weight of a single person. As slopes are loaded by the new snowfall and wind transport, depending on the duration and intensity, slabs could become more sensitive to triggers. Although persistent slab avalanches are the main concern, increasing winds will transport loose snow and could form wind slabs along ridges and other terrain features. Backcountry travelers should monitor changes in conditions and use careful terrain selection.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    A slab of snow, one to four feet thick, has been forming since Dec.11 over persistent weak layers of facets and crusts. In the past few weeks, these layers have produced many large avalanches. Due to the variability in these persistent weak layers, similar slopes may have a very different structure. In these conditions, tracks on slopes should NOT be taken as signs of stability. At the lower elevations, avalanches are unlikely except in steep isolated terrain features.

Avalanche Discussion

After a brief lull tonight, another round of snowfall will occur on Sunday. The Tetons will be favored with 4 to 8 inches of new snow by Sunday evening. In the Togwotee Pass and Southwest Trails areas, 3 to 6 inches could accumulate during the same time period. Mountain temperatures will remain in the teens overnight and throughout the day on Sunday. Westerly ridgetop winds will increase to 20 to 30 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard in the Tetons is expected to be Moderate Sunday morning and could increase to Considerable during the day. The chance for skiers and riders to trigger small to large wind slabs and loose snow sluffs will be increasing as the day progresses. While less likely to trigger, large to very large persistent slab avalanches will carry much higher consequences. These dangerous slabs could also step down from the release of a wind slab.Compared to the Tetons, the snowpack structure is worse on Togwotee Pass, but the overlying slabs are also significantly smaller. Skiers and riders have some potential of triggering these large persistent slabs, and the hazard is expected to remain Moderate. The Southwest Trails forecast zone also has poor structure, and slab depths are close to those found in the Tetons. There, the primary concern will be large to very large persistent slab avalanches, and the hazard is expected to stay at Considerable. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles or groups of people, are more likely to initiate one of these slabs, and previous tracks should not be taken as an indication of stability.

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