Avalanche forecast

Snake River Range

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Skiers and riders have the potential to trigger slab avalanches up to  2 feet deep today. These slabs were formed by recent snow and wind and lie on a variety of aspects at the mid and upper elevations.  Look for obvious signs of wind loading and look for shooting cracks as that will be an indication of unstable snow on similar terrain features. Don't let improved visibility and the action of others affect your decision making. Deeper instabilities also lie buried within the snowpack. Avalanches are unlikely at the low elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Soft slabs formed by recent snow and wind from the south to northwest could be triggered with depths up to 2 feet in very steep terrain near cliff areas and ridge crests.  Avoid high consequence  terrain where a small wind slab could carry someone into rocks or over a cliff edge.  Several wind slabs were reported yesterday in the Teton forecast zone. 

    (1/9/2026)

    Avalanche triggered January 9th on very small wind loaded feature 6-8" deep. 

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–2.5

    The possibility for a single skier or rider to trigger an avalanche involving old crusts and faceted snow is low, however failure could still occur from large triggers such as a cornice fall, a group of people, or possibly if an isolated weak and thin spot on a slope is impacted.  If triggered these hard slabs are likely to fail on layers buried on Christmas that are 3 to 4 feet deep.  Once initiated they could then involve deeper snow to the ground.

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday several wind slab avalanches were reported near Teton Pass and a remotely triggered wind slab was reported in the Salt River  range.  Similar events could occur today as the snowpack continues to adjust to the recent loading that brought over three inches of snow water equivalent (SWE) during the last 8 days to the upper elevations. Since mid-December approximately 14" of SWE fell. That snow fell on multiple rain crusts to 9000'. These rain crusts are still being  monitored, particularly the one formed on Christmas eve,  although the chance for activity involving them continues to decrease.  

Please consider submitting an observation here if you are out riding/skiing today. Observations can be as simple as a photo and help us produce a better forecast. Thank you

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