Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Triggering an avalanche in wind drifted snow is possible in steep, upper elevation terrain. Slabs will be deepest in areas favored by the recent snowfall such as the western slope of the Tetons. Watch for areas of unstable wind drifted snow and evaluate loaded terrain carefully.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The upper elevations of the Tetons have received anywhere from 6-10” of new snow in the past 48 hours. New snowfall has favored the western slope of the Tetons. Winds shifted from the west to the northwest during this period with average speeds in the 20s and gusts up to 40 mph. Triggering a wind slab up to a foot in depth is possible in steep, loaded terrain at the upper elevations. Most of these slabs will be small, but could knock you off your feet in consequential terrain. Watch out for areas of wind drifted snow that are deeper than about 6”. Shooting cracks indicate unstable snow. Evaluate the newest snow carefully in steep, wind loaded terrain.

    An example of a cross loaded feature where newly formed wind slabs may be found.

    GTNP (4/2/2024)

Avalanche Discussion

Snow totals from the most recent storm are lower than expected. Additionally, the distribution of snowfall varied across the range. Grand Targhee received 10” of snow in the past 48 hrs, while JHMR received 6”. However, it has been consistently windy across the entire range. In some areas, enough snow has fallen to form shallow slabs that could be sensitive to the weight of a rider. In many areas, you may just be skiing “dust on crust”. It will be important to evaluate stability carefully on slopes where you find a significant amount of drifted snow. Choose terrain wisely to avoid getting knocked off your feet in consequential terrain.

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