JACKSON, Wyo. — According to the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center (BTAC), avalanche danger for the Tetons is “considerable” between 9,000 and 10,500 feet on Tuesday, March 18, with “moderate” danger between 7,500 and 9,000 feet.
The BTAC confirms that new snow overnight (8 to 10 inches of low density snow) and wind have made triggering an avalanche up to 18 inches deep likely in steep terrain above 9,000 feet. Avalanches also have the potential to break deeper in very steep and heavily wind loaded areas, although this is less likely.
“New soft slabs up to 18 inches deep could be sensitive to the weight of a rider in very steep upper elevation terrain,” the BTAC writes. “However, movement in the new snow will likely be confined to loose snow sluffing in most steep terrain. Be on the lookout for signs of instability within the new snow including cracking and recent avalanche activity. If these signs are present, then it is a good idea to seek out gentler terrain.”
Avalanches involving new snow are unlikely in the low elevations except for in isolated pockets of very steep terrain.
The BTAC notes that Snow King received 10 inches of new snow overnight, considerably more snow than the low elevations of the Tetons received. The BTAC warns that skiers and snowboarders should be on the lookout for storm slabs if traveling in the backcountry near Snow King today.
