Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 13 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Although stable snow exist on many slopes the snowpack structure is still poor. Large unstable slabs lie upon a persistent weak layer and could be human triggered on a variety of aspects. These dangerous slabs could be triggered in the early morning hours, however they will become more sensitive to human triggers during the warmer portion of the day. Careful terrain selection is essential for safe travel.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    Large persistent slabs could be human triggered on a variety of aspects. At the mid and upper elevations these slabs could have crown depths up to five feet deep. At the lower elevations these slabs could have crown depths up to 30 inches deep. These slabs have been triggered in areas where thick deposits of wind-drifted snow exist in avalanche starting zones. Shallow, weak spots in these slabs, on steep rocky slopes should also be considered likely trigger points. Previous tracks on a slope should not be mistaken as an indication of stability.

Avalanche Discussion

Skies will be clear overnight and into the day. Clouds will move into the region from the north and east during the afternoon as a weather system rides over the high pressure ridge along the Continental Divide. Light snowfall is possible with an inch or so of accumulation at the higher elevations of the Salt River and Tetons Ranges and two to four inches on Togwotee Pass by Thursday morning. Morning temperatures will be below zero in the valleys and in the teens in the mountains and will rise into the 20s at all elevations. Winds will be northwest at 5 to 10 miles per hour. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE below an elevation of 7,500 feet and CONSIDERABLE at the mid and upper elevations. The snow structure remains poor. Slab avalanches up to five feet in depth could be triggered by humans on some slopes at the mid and upper elevations and to depths of 30 inches at the lower elevations.

Regions covered