Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Persistent weak layers of faceted snow remain a concern on a variety of aspects and elevations. Whumphing and collapsing of the snowpack are bullseye indications of these instabilities. In steep, avalanche prone terrain, skiers and riders could trigger small to very large persistent slab avalanches failing on these weak layers. Don’t let previous tracks lull you into thinking that a slope is safe. Careful snowpack and terrain evaluation are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Several weak layers of faceted snow can be found in the Teton snowpack, and they vary significantly across the landscape. Buried surface hoar and near surface facets, along with faceted snow surrounding crusts, are present in the snowpack. In the higher elevations, faceted snow that developed early in the season is deeply buried and rounding. While these deep layers are difficult to trigger, the resulting persistent slab avalanches have depths ranging from two to five feet and carry high consequences. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles, are more likely to trigger these deadly slabs. The basal weak layers are more easily impacted in the shallower mid elevation snowpack, and this problem extends down into the lower elevations. In these areas, slab depths are likely to be between one and three feet. Conservative terrain choices are the best tool to manage this hazard.

Avalanche Discussion

Light snowfall will continue overnight before tapering off during the day on Monday. Overnight lows in the mountains will drop into the single digits before rising into the low teens in the afternoon. Westerly ridgetop winds will veer to the northwest and decrease to 20 to 30 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to remain Moderate in the Teton and Togwotee Pass forecast zones. Strong ridgetop winds will continue, and backcountry travelers could trigger shallow, isolated pockets of new wind slab in leeward terrain near upper elevation ridgelines on Monday. The primary concern will continue to be large to very large, human triggered persistent slab avalanches on all aspects above 7,500 feet. In the Tetons, the deepest faceted weak layers are difficult to trigger but carry high consequences. In contrast, shallower persistent slabs reside above weaker snow on Togwotee Pass.Avalanche conditions remain dangerous in the Southwest Trails forecast zone, and the general avalanche hazard is expected to be Considerable. In steep, avalanche prone terrain, backcountry travelers could easily trigger large to very large persistent slab avalanches on a variety of aspects above 7,500 feet.

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