Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

At the upper elevations increasing winds and new snow are creating dense new winds slabs. These slabs could release naturally and are likely to be easily triggered by skiers or riders. These slabs are expected to become large and destructive. At the mid elevations new snow has fallen on warm snow surfaces that experienced a rain on snow event yesterday morning and have been exposed to above freezing temperatures for the better part of the last 48 hours. Wet snow avalanches continue to be a concern at the mid and lower elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    At the higher elevations strong and gusty southwest winds will be increasing the hazard during the day. Dense new wind slabs up to two feet in depth are likely to be a significant hazard in steep, wind loaded avalanche starting zones. These slabs will be easy to trigger, large enough to bury people and difficult to escape. Natural releases are possible. Monitor conditions, especially as the winds increase, and be prepared to make conservative terrain choices.

  • Wet Slabs

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

    Wet slides continue to be a problem at the mid elevations and on isolated terrain features at the lower elevations. These slides are most likely to occur on very steep slopes where the snowpack is wet and unconsolidated. Once triggered these slides could gouge down through old snow surfaces to the ground.

Avalanche Discussion

Expect light to moderate snowfall overnight as an upper level disturbance moves over the region before a drying trend begins in the morning. As the day progresses, cloud cover will decrease and periods of sunshine will be possible in the afternoon. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low teens before rising into the low 20s during the day.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Considerable in the Tetons above 9,000 feet. There, skiers and riders could trigger newly developed wind slabs up to 30 inches deep in steep, avalanche prone terrain. Less substantial snowfall in the mid elevation terrain in the Tetons, and in the Togwotee Pass and Southwest Trails areas, will result in Moderate hazard with smaller and less reactive avalanche activity. With possible sunshine in the afternoon, shedding of the new snow could develop on sunlit aspects. Monitor the effect of the sun, and transition to shaded terrain if snow surfaces start to become damp.

Regions covered