Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

It will be possible to trigger avalanches 1 to 2 feet in depth in very steep wind-loaded terrain in the upper elevations today.  Deeper weak layers in the snowpack remain a lingering threat, especially in very steep rocky areas or other thin spots where you are more likely to impact these weak layers. Avalanches are unlikely in the lower elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Isolated pockets of wind slab (1+ feet thick)  should be on your radar today. Northerly winds over the last 48 hrs combined with a few inches of new snow have formed soft slabs in exposed areas above 9000 feet. Don't get caught off guard in steep, exposed areas above consequential terrain where a small avalanche could knock you off your feet. Look for stiff pillows, shooting cracks, and listen for collapses along ridges and rear steep rocky areas exposed to the wind. Managing this problem should be easy by avoiding these areas and riding on sheltered slopes.

     

    (1/6/2025)

    A snowboarder triggered avalanche in very steep terrain, SE 9800 feet on Jan 6.  Expect similar activity in this type of terrain today.

    Photo: Alex Drinkard

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak layers of snow that were buried in mid-December are gradually moving into a dormant phase. 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.  These avalanches (while mostly higher in elevation than we forecast) are a good reminder of the current problem.  If venturing into bigger, steeper terrain, remember that these layers lurk deeper in the snowpack.  It will probably take a larger trigger to impact these deep layers, so ensure there are no looming cornices above you. Pick terrain that gives you escape options in the event that your assessment of deeper weak layers is wrong.  Using safe travel protocols will help to minimize exposure. Travel one at a time, use islands of safety when stopping, and watch out for terrain traps.

    (1/7/2025)

    While not in the Tetons, this photo illustrates a persistent slab problem on a steep, rocky, north-facing slope. This type of avalanche is currently unlikley in the Tetons but is a good reminder of where this problem is most likely if a weak layer is impacted with a big enough trigger.

    Photo taken of an avalanche 2 days ago in the Snake River Range. Possible cornice trigger.

Avalanche Discussion

There have not been any persistent slab avalanches observed in the Tetons since January 3rd, and that is an estimated timeframe.  This one was most likely cornice-triggered.  The Tetons have received close to 3 inches of water in some areas since the new year, but it has been a gradual loading.  It is unlikely at this point that the weight of a single rider will impact weak snow buried near the ground. However, unlikely does not mean impossible, and the consequence of triggering a large persistent slab avalanche is high.  There is still a thick slab putting stress on a weak laker.  If I were going to go out and try to trigger an avalanche today, I would probably look on north-facing slopes at middle elevations around rocks and cliffs where the overlying slab is just a little thinner, and my chances of impacting the weak layer is a little higher. Over the last day or two, riders have been stepping out to this type of terrain. Keep that in mind as the snowpack continues to adjust.  Continue to use safe travel techniques in these areas, including going one at a time, avoiding terrain traps and maybe 

Please continue to send your observations to us. Thanks!

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