Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 12 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Two avalanche problems confront skiers and riders today. First, newly created soft slabs could be triggered in steep, avalanche starting zones. Second, persistent slabs could be triggered directly by skiers and riders or step down from the release of the new soft slabs. Use a conservative approach to terrain evaluation, and come home to your friends and family this holiday season.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow, combined with light to moderate winds, have created soft slabs six to 18 inches deep on leeward aspects at all elevations. Backcountry travelers are likely to trigger these slabs in steep, wind-loaded terrain at the upper elevations. These slabs will be less likely to trigger with a decrease in elevation where wind becomes less of a factor. Increasing wind and continued snowfall will add depth and volume throughout the day.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    At the upper elevations, faceted snow lies upon wind pack and sun crusts formed during the early December dry period. There, skiers and riders might be able to trigger persistent slabs up to an additional three feet.

Avalanche Discussion

Expect decreasing cloud cover during the day on Friday. Light, scattered mountain snow showers could linger into the morning hours. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low single digits before rising to around 10 degrees during the day. Northeasterly ridgetop winds will decrease to 5 to 15 miles per hour by Friday morning.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE above 9,000 feet and MODERATE below 9,000 feet. Two avalanche problems will confront skiers and riders on Friday. First, newly created soft slabs are likely to be triggered in steep, wind-loaded avalanche starting zones. These slabs will be less likely to release as elevation decreases and wind becomes less of a factor. Second, persistent slabs could be directly triggered by skiers and riders or step down from the release of the new surface slabs.

Regions covered