Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The danger is Low in the mid and upper elevations. Triggering an avalanche is unlikely today, but not impossible. Very steep terrain in the upper elevations is the most likely place to encounter unstable snow. The lower elevations lack sufficient coverage for avalanche problems. Remember that ‘Low’ danger does not mean ‘No’ danger.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak layers 1-3 feet below the surface continue to show the potential for isolated avalanche activity. While triggering is unlikely in the vast majority of terrain, it cannot be ruled out completely. Thin spots in the slab, where the weak layer is closer to the surface, is the most likely trigger point in a given piece of terrain. Upper elevation slopes that have been wind affected (scoured, loaded, cross loaded) are where you will encounter thin spots.  It is important to remain vigilant and continue to assess each slope before committing. Getting carried and caught in even a small avalanche has the potential for significant injury due to the presence of rocks and other obstacles close to the surface.

    (12/21/2023)

    Here is a good example of the terrain where triggering a persistent slab is most likely. 

     

Avalanche Discussion

It has been almost three weeks since the last significant loading event and reported avalanche in the Tetons.  Weak snow that formed in November sits 1-3 feet below a slab that was formed in early December. That layer is well preserved in many locations. Pit results on that layer continue to show propagation potential. Despite this potential, avalanche activity has not shown to equate to these test results.  It is important to remember that snowpit tests, while a valuable tool, have their limitations in understanding avalanche potential.

As this dry period of weather continues, it is important to track snow surfaces. This will become increasingly important with any measurable precipitation in the forecast. Observations yesterday in the upper elevations showed a dog’s breakfast of surface conditions, with crusts on south, wind effect on north, and near surface facets in east facing terrain. Having a good handle on these surfaces and their general distribution will help anticipate the next round of avalanche activity.

Regions covered