Avalanche forecast

Snake River Range

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanches are unlikely in the vast majority of terrain today. Exceptions to this will be found in isolated pockets of very steep terrain in the upper elevations. Use caution in steep, wind-loaded areas, especially when travelling above terrain traps such as cliffs, gullies and trees.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Lingering pockets of wind slab up to 2 feet in depth remain a minor threat in very steep, upper elevation terrain. Slabs that formed from a variety of wind directions 4 days ago are generally stubborn to trigger. Despite this, approach upper elevation wind loaded starting zones with suspicion. Minimize and manage your exposure by travelling one at a time, use islands of safety when stopping and communicate with your partners.

    (1/31/2026)

    Skier triggered avalanche in steep upper elevation terrain in the Snake River Range on Dec 31. An old wind slab  was triggered that entrained snow as it ran on the xmas crust. The skier was not caught or carried.

    SS-AS-R2-D2-I

    45-60cm /1.5-2 feet deep

    Photo: Bridger Teton Avalanche Center

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Large avalanches have been observed that occurred 4-5 days ago above ~9,000 feet in steep terrain. These avalanches released at the tail end of an extended precipitation event that saw rain on snow, significant loading, fluctuating temperatures and high winds. While time has passed since this event and temperatures have promoted healing, this problem cannot be completely ruled out. Avalanches of this magnitude at this point in time would be considered an outlier. Despite this, it remains important to evaluate steep terrain carefully and practice safe travel habits.

Avalanche Discussion

The last four days brought dry conditions, generally cool temperatures and time for weak layers within the snowpack to adjust to recent loading events. During this time observers were able to witness the extent of the most recent avalanche cycle. The pattern of this recent cycle was large to very large avalanches releasing both in the middle and bottom of the snowpack. 

While peak loading and the likelihood of natural avalanches releasing has passed, there is still some lingering uncertainty about mid-pack weak layers. Snowpits have generally shown a lack of propagation potential and widespread persistent weak layers throughout the entire snowpack. Exceptions to this exist, in particular weak snow near the ground on upper elevation northerly slopes. While basal weak layers are currently in a state of dormancy, we will continue to monitor these layers with incoming weather that could increase stress and the likelihood of another avalanche cycle.

Regions covered