Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Recent snow and wind make human triggered avalanches possible in the upper elevations. There have been multiple reports of avalanches less than 12 inches deep triggered in steep wind loaded terrain over the last couple days. Look for evidence of wind loading such as drifts or stiffened surfaces before committing to consequential terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Moderate winds out of the south and southwest continue to deposit snow on a variety of aspects in the upper elevations creating wind slabs up to 18 inches deep. These slabs have been sensitive the last couple days on steep E to NE aspects from 9,500’  to 10,500’. These reported avalanches have been less than 12 inches deep in isolated terrain features (Cave Couloir, Taylor, West Hourglass Couloir). Although warm temperatures have reduced the snow available for transport, old slabs may still be reactive. Be aware that new snow from last night could cover previously wind loaded terrain making them difficult to identify.

    (1/8/2023)

    Cave Couloir wind slab: 10,250' E apect

Avalanche Discussion

One week ago we removed the persistent slab problem from the Tetons. You may or may not agree with this. We aren’t here to tell you that persistent slabs don’t exist out there. If you dig down deep enough, you’ll find layers buried in November and December. We simply had a hard time justifying the problem when we weren’t seeing any persistent slab avalanches or evidence in snowpit data. None of us have all the answers, we are simply doing the best we can with the data you provide and we collect. With that being said, we are extremely grateful for the consistent observations lately. We really appreciate it so keep ‘em coming!

With good visibility and fairly stable conditions a lot of folks have been getting after it in complex terrain. Wind slabs have been the main concern. When slabs like this are small, they can often lead to the false impression of being easy to manage. It’s important to remember that snow can be difficult to predict though. Small errors or misjudgment in consequential terrain can lead to poor outcomes. Continually accessing snow stability to match terrain choice is critical during times of moderate danger.

Regions covered