Lawinenlagebericht

Snake River Range

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Wed
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 2 years ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Skiers and riders have the slight potential to trigger dangerous avalanches involving old, weak, buried snow layers. It is also possible to trigger small recently formed wind slabs. The surface slab problem can be avoided by watching out for slopes that look wind loaded, however the persistent slab problem requires a thorough evaluation of the snowpack, especially in complex avalanche terrain.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Unlikely
    Größe
    1.5–2.5

    Weak layers of snow are buried 2-4 feet deep in the Snake River range. Triggering a large hard slab avalanche at these depths has become unlikely but is not impossible. Instability is most likely to be found in very steep, north facing terrain and will involve finding a thin and therefore weak spot in the snowpack. These weak spots lurk in steep, rocky and usually complex terrain. Larger triggers such as groups, snowmobiles, or falling cornices, will increase the odds of impacting these weak layers. 

    (1/16/2025)

    An example of complex terrain in the Snake. Very steep, wind affected slopes where trigger points for a hard slab avalanche could be close to the surface.

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1–2

    Recent strong winds that have been westerly, northerly and then back to westerly continue to move loose snow on peaks and near ridge crests. Last night Baird winds averaged up to 30 mph with gusts to 43 mph. These slabs could be soft or hard with depths to one foot and are most likely to be found just below ridges and in rocky terrain, including couloirs. Remember that even small slides can have dire consequences in complex terrain. 

Avalanche Discussion

The snowpack is straightforward. Old, buried snow layers continue to warrant consideration. This avalanche problem is currently a low likelihood/high consequence scenario. Choosing terrain that reduces your exposure and remaining vigilant when traveling in avalanche terrain is important given this setup. A very large natural avalanche involving these layers occurred on January 7th and is a good reminder of weak snow lurking below. The wind slab problem is most likely to be found in very steep, rocky or "extreme" terrain. The wind slab problem should be short lived as the freshly transported snow bonds to the recent snow surfaces. 

Want to learn more about how triggering a persistent slab avalanche from a thin spot works? Check out this sweet video made by a seasoned avalanche professional.

Also, please consider submitting an observation HERE. Observations allow everyone to gain a better and more complete understanding of conditions. Thanks!

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