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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Yesterday, two skiers were caught in separate slides on Teton Pass. Luckily, no injuries were sustained. A large slide with an unknown trigger was also reported on Whimpy’s Knob in Grand Teton National Park. Skiers and riders could easily trigger similar large to very large wind slabs in steep terrain at the mid and upper elevations. As the day warms, these slabs will become more susceptible to failure, especially if periods of sunshine occur in the afternoon. Low elevation temperatures dipped to near freezing overnight and are expected to rise into the low 40s during the day. The possibility for wet slides will increase with daytime warming starting at the lower elevations and moving up in elevation as the day progresses. Afternoon sunshine could rapidly increase this hazard. Choosing to travel in avalanche terrain will require excellent terrain and snowpack evaluation skills. Get an early start, keep an eye on temperatures and solar input, and have a plan to safely descend before warming conditions affect the snowpack.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Since Saturday morning, storm totals range from 20 to 30 inches of new snow in the mountains. Southerly to southwesterly ridgetop winds between 15 and 25 miles per hour accompanied this snowfall, and one to three foot deep wind slabs developed in leeward terrain. These slabs formed on a variety of snow surfaces which include crusts, wind pack and settled snow. Skiers and riders are likely to trigger these slabs on old snow surfaces or within density breaks, and the chance for failure will increase with daytime warming. Natural activity could also develop as snow surfaces heat up.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Daytime warming will also bring about the chance for wet loose and possibly wet slab avalanches. These slides will involve the new snow and possibly break into older snow at the lower elevations. Long, sustained couloirs could entrain significant amounts of snow and should be avoided.

Avalanche Discussion

The low pressure to the west is forecast to slowly move into the Great Basin. Conditions will be mostly dry overnight. A weak weather system will move through the region on Tuesday and bring some light precipitation to the area. The higher elevations can expect small amounts of dense new snow. A mix of light rain and snow is possible in the valleys. Winds will be light from the southwest at 10 to 15 miles per hour. Temperatures will drop into the 20’s tonight and rise into the 30’s and 40’s during the day.At the upper elevations humans who venture into steep avalanche starting zones could trigger soft slab avalanches 1 to 3 feet in depth. Wet slides are possible at the lower elevations and on steep sunlit slopes at all elevations if periods of sunshine occur and during the warmest portion of the day. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be moderate.

Regions covered