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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

New snow combined with strong wind has formed fresh slabs on terrain exposed to the wind where triggering an avalanche is possible. Assess the stability of new snow and look for signs of unstable snow such as cracking surfaces or large pillows/drifts. Seek less wind affected terrain and look for wind drifts formed off ridgelines and confined features such as couloirs or below cliff bands.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The storm yesterday produced up to 10 inches of new snow. Strong to moderate W/SW winds during this storm have formed fresh slabs up to a foot deep, primarily in the upper elevations. Watch out for areas where the snow feels “thicker” or “punchy” and avoid terrain with obvious wind drifts. Stiffened or cracking surfaces are also clear indications of unstable snow. Wind slabs will likely be larger and more reactive the higher you travel in elevation. 

    All this new snow sits on a fairly widespread poor interface of crusts formed during a series of very warm days. Expect new snow to move easily on these crusts in the form of dry loose sloughing on steep terrain. In addition, wind slabs could break larger than expected and move with energy. New snow may become more reactive as wet loose avalanches on slopes facing the sun due to strong solar influence by the afternoon if you encounter clear skies. 

    (3/14/2024)

    Cracking snow surfaces, a sign of unstable snow on wind loaded terrain. 

    Photo: Alex Drinkard

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday brought a quick pulse of winter back to the area. For those with the ambition to continue the pursuit of powder, make sure to thoroughly assess the new snow. Targhee (8,800’) and Rendezvous Bowl (10,450’) weather stations received 10” of new snow during the daylight hours yesterday. As mentioned above, this new snow was accompanied with 15-35 mph winds of variable W/SW direction and sits on a poor interface. This makes a potential bad recipe for unstable snow. Performing quick hand shears tests and identifying potentially wind loaded terrain can help you manage this uncertainty of unstable snow. By the early afternoon, watch for rapidly changing conditions with clear skies and large temperature fluctuations potentially destabilizing the new snow. The good news is these new snow instabilities should be short lived now that we are in the middle of April. Keep your wits about you and don’t become complacent with increased avalanche danger today. 

Let us know what you see out there today. Your observations are still critical as we continue to provide the most informative snow and avalanche details to you as possible.

BTAC will be issuing the final daily avalanche forecast on Saturday, April 20th but will continue with General Snow and Avalanche Information Bulletins  as needed or two times per week into May. We will update the 24 Hour Weather Summary (Big Sheet) daily until June 1st.

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