Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

A winter storm warning continues to be in effect today.  Dangerous avalanche conditions exist.  Approximately 18 inches of snow has fallen over the last 48 hours. This snowfall was accompanied by strong winds overnight and additional accumulation is expected today.  Natural avalanche activity is possible and human triggered avalanches are likely at the high elevations and the upper portion of the mid elevations.   Additional hazards such as rocks and stumps also exists throughout the backcountry due to the shallow, early season snowpack.  Exercise caution now as the snowpack develops in order to have a long and enjoyable winter season. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    12 to 20 inches of snow has fallen at the upper elevations during the last 2 nights and more snow is expected today. Soft to hard wind slabs continue to build on a variety of snow surfaces including crusts and faceted snow on all aspects at the high elevations and in steep shaded terrain at the mid elevations. These slabs will be very sensitive to human presence and natural activity is possible in steep avalanche starting zones.  Avalanches and other signs of instability were reported yesterday. Slab depths could reach 2-3  feet in leeward terrain by the end of the day. 

    (12/5/2025) Photo: J Strong

  • Storm Slabs

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

    The storm has brought significant snowfall to the mountains with a slowly increasing temperature trend. In areas not affected by wind loading,  soft slab avalanches with crown depths to 18 inches could be human triggered in steep avalanche terrain above 8000 feet where old snow lies. 

Avalanche Discussion

Rapidly loading new and recent snowfall, strong winds, and an increasing temperature trend are all contributing factors to the heightened avalanche conditions.  Avalanches with crown depths of a foot or more were reported yesterday morning after the first wave of heavy snowfall. Additional rapid loading overnight and stronger winds will have created sensitive avalanche conditions  where ever old snow lies. High, steep north facing terrain has the more widely distributed weak layers and old snow coverage and is the more likely to have avalanche activity.    That being said, all aspects with old snow coverage have the potential to produce avalanches.  Yesterday morning natural avalanches were reported on north to east aspects at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and on south facing terrain on Twin Slides over Teton Pass.  Winds have varied by location and rime development has limited accurate wind information. On Rendezvous mountain averages reached 37mph with gusts to 56. Mount Coffin in the Wyoming range has had averages above 80mph with gusts to 112.   A warming temperature trend and additional loading that will continue today will further increase the sensitivity of these new slabs. Low elevations were mostly barren 2 days ago. Remember that low danger does not mean no danger and small slides can occur in very steep terrain in lower elevation gullies. 

Regions covered