Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanche activity involving the recent snow that fell Sunday night was widespread yesterday at the mid and upper elevations. Humans venturing into steep wind loaded terrain, especially around and under cliff bands could trigger similar events today. Wet slides may also become possible at the lower elevations this afternoon. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The strong southwest winds that accompanied the recent storm formed wind slabs on leeward slopes. A considerable amount of graupel fell early in that storm and some reported avalanches propagated long distances. Although less sensitive than yesterday, skiers and riders can trigger hard or soft slab avalanches today with depths to one foot along ridge crests and near cliff areas. These will be most sensitive at the higher elevations. Overnight winds that have had gusts in the 50s  have formed new, shallow wind slabs along ridge crests and summits. Watch for obvious signs of wind loading at the mid and upper elevations to avoid these newly formed surface slabs. 

    (2/24/2025)

    Wind slab 2/24. Wide propagation of wind slab involving graupel. 

  • Loose Wet

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

    Wet slides may become possible this afternoon as temperatures rise, particularly in areas impacted by direct sunlight. 

Avalanche Discussion

People were caught off guard yesterday. Avalanche activity was more widespread than in recent storms.  Multiple people were caught and carried in slides that they triggered. Graupel within the storm was involved and allowed for long propagation like in the Green River Travers slide. Although avalanche conditions will be less sensitive today, it has only been 24 hours and a recently reactive interface like this will still be unstable in some terrain. Measured snow in the Tetons yesterday had densities near 15% which is supportive and may mask weak snow layers under the surface. The new/old snow interface is not deep and it is suggested to take a quick look before entering steep avalanche terrain. Also keep in mind that during graupel events, the weak slabs may not be found until being mid slope, possibly under cliffs, where graupel pools.  

Regions covered