Teton Pass Backcountry
Tetons, WY
Elevation Profile
Current Conditions
Bottom Line
Winter Weather Advisory in effect through tonight with active snowfall and 22 mph winds loading wind slabs. Considerable avalanche danger across all elevations but bulletin shows NO identified avalanche problems — rare for Level 3 and suggests conditions may improve quickly once storm clears.
35°/31°F · Snow Showers Likely And Patchy Blowing Snow · 1 alert(s)
Considerable (3/5)
48" depth
Normal flows · 5 gauges
No active fires within 50 miles
11h 44m daylight · Sunrise 7:42 AM · Sunset 7:27 PM
Full Briefing
The Bridger-Teton center has Considerable danger across all elevations but notably identifies NO specific avalanche problems in today's bulletin — unusual for a Level 3 rating and suggests transitional conditions as the current storm cycle winds down. The Winter Weather Advisory through midnight tonight brings continued snowfall with WSW winds at 22 mph today dropping to 10-17 mph Friday, creating fresh wind slab loading on northeast through southeast aspects above treeline. Saturday's forecast shows the heaviest snow (98% chance) followed by a dramatic temperature drop to 11°F Saturday night, which should help stabilize the new snow quickly. SNOTEL data from nearby stations shows mixed trends — Annie Springs at 6,021 feet has 35 inches with falling depth suggesting settlement, while Long Lake shows stable conditions at 98 inches depth. The absence of identified persistent slab or storm slab problems in the bulletin, despite Considerable rating, indicates the avalanche center may be rating conservatively during active weather rather than responding to specific structural weaknesses. WSW winds will focus loading on cross-loaded gullies and northeast-facing bowls — avoid these features Friday and Saturday morning. South-facing terrain below treeline should offer reasonable options, especially once Saturday's storm clears and Sunday brings lighter winds. The key decision point is Saturday night's temperature crash to 11°F, which should bond recent snow rapidly and potentially drop danger levels by Sunday. Plan conservative terrain Friday and Saturday with Sunday offering the best window as winds decrease and new snow consolidates.
Waypoints
Teton Pass Summit Parking
Large parking area at the summit of Teton Pass. Fills early on powder days. Arrive before 7am on weekends.
8,432 ft
Glory Bowl Saddle
Saddle above Glory Bowl. Decision point for Glory proper or traversing to Mt. Glory summit.
9,514 ft
Mt. Glory Summit
Summit of Mt. Glory at 10,040 ft. Panoramic views of the Tetons and Snake River Valley.
10,400 ft
Coal Creek Runout
Bottom of the Coal Creek drainage. Short road walk back to cars.
8,432 ft
Route Details
Distance
4.0 mi
Elevation Gain
2,598 ft
Elevation Loss
2,598 ft
Max Elevation
10,400 ft
Estimated Days
0.5
Trailhead
Teton Pass Summit
Best Season
Best December through April. Spring corn cycles in April-May.
About This Route
Teton Pass is one of the most accessible and popular backcountry skiing zones in the western United States. Sitting at 8,431 feet on the Wyoming-Idaho border, the pass offers a remarkable variety of terrain from mellow glades to steep couloirs, all within minutes of the highway. The area features multiple zones including Glory Bowl, Mt. Glory, and the Coal Creek drainage. Most lines are north-facing, holding quality powder well into spring. The approach is as simple as parking at the top of the pass and skinning uphill, making it ideal for dawn patrol missions before work. Avalanche awareness is critical here—the terrain is consequential and the snowpack can be complex. Check the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center forecast before every outing. Despite the crowds on powder days, Teton Pass remains a world-class backcountry experience.
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