Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

It will be possible to trigger avalanches up to a foot in depth in very steep wind-loaded terrain in the upper elevations today.  Deeper weak layers in the snowpack remain a lingering threat, especially in very steep rocky areas or other thin spots where you are more likely to impact these weak layers. Avalanches are unlikely in the lower elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Isolated pockets of shallow wind slab (1+ feet thick)  formed over the last 48 hours on the radar today. The likelihood is decreasing, but don't get caught off guard in steep, exposed areas above consequential terrain. Look for stiff pillows, shooting cracks, and listen for collapses along ridges and rear steep rocky areas exposed to the wind. Managing this problem should be easy by avoiding these areas and riding on sheltered slopes.

     

    (1/6/2025)

    A snowboarder triggered avalanche in very steep terrain, SE 9800 feet on Jan 6.  Expect similar activity in this type of terrain today.

    Photo: Alex Drinkard

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Weak layers of snow that were buried in mid-December are gradually moving into a dormant phase. Triggering an avalanche at depths between 2-4 feet are unlikely but not impossible. This avalanche problem is currently a low likelihood/high consequence scenario. Observations from our first good day of visibility yesterday revealed signs of large avalanches that failed during the last storm cycle. This is a good reminder of the current problem.  If venturing into bigger and steeper terrain remember that these layers lurk deeper down in the snowpack.  It will probably take a larger trigger to impact these deep layers so make sure there are no looming cornices above you. Pick terrain that gives you escape options in the event that your assessment of deeper weak layers is wrong.  Using safe travel protocols will help to minimize exposure. Travel one at a time, use islands of safety when stopping and keep communication going throughout the day.

    Recent large avalanches remind us of this low likelihood but very high consequence problem. 

    (1/7/2025) Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

The Teton Range just wrapped up a slow steady loading cycle. Yesterday was the first day without measurable snowfall since December 23rd. Cohesive slabs of snow 3-4 feet thick lie above weak snow that developed earlier in the winter. In many places, the weight of a rider is unlikely to impact the weak snow buried near the ground. Yet, it is important to remember that the snowpack is still under stress. Ten day cumulative snow water equivalent (SWE) values peaked yesterday around 5.6 inches. This is a significant amount of weight and adjustment to loading takes time. Cornice and explosive triggered avalanches failing on deeply buried facets are reminders of what lurks below. Instabilities in the middle of the snowpack that developed around the Christmas storm have been largely unreactive over the past week despite snow pit tests showing mixed results. The snowpack will continue to adjust over the next week of relatively quiet weather and instability will trend downward. For the time being, it is important to maintain safe travel habits and approach steep terrain with a healthy dose of skepticism.

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