Avalanche forecast

Snake River Range

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Over a foot of recent snow and very strong winds have created dangerous avalanche conditions. Triggering an avalanche large enough to bury a person is likely in steep, wind loaded terrain above 9,000’ today. Additional snowfall will increase the avalanche danger as the day progresses. Conservative terrain selection and avoiding steep, wind loaded slopes is recommended today.

 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Up to 15 inches of new snow has fallen over the past 48 hours in the Snake River Range. Extremely strong winds out of the southwest have redistributed the recent snow and formed wind slabs 1-2 feet deep in loaded terrain. Depths could be as deep as 3 feet in heavily loaded areas along ridgelines and near the base of cliffs. These slabs will be hard in the upper elevations and softer below 9,000’. Triggering a wind slab will be likely in terrain steeper than about 35 degrees today, though slabs may be stubborn to initiate given the high wind speeds. Look for slab development further down and across slopes than normal. Cracking and recent avalanches are sure signs of instability within the recent snow, though these signs may not present themselves before triggering.

    An additional 6-12 inches of new snow accompanied by moderate to strong winds out of the southwest is expected today. Be on the lookout for newly forming slabs as the day progresses and remember that avalanches may break deeper than you expect given the recent snow totals.

    (3/16/2025)

    Wind slab on Sheep Creek Peak. Expect deeper slabs today.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Low elevation temperatures are in the upper 30s and low 40s this morning and are not expected to drop below freezing today. 4-8 inches of snow has fallen at this elevation band in the past 48 hours. Wet loose avalanches will be possible in very steep terrain below 8,000’ today. Potential rain on snow today could destabilize the surface even further. Be on the lookout for wet unconsolidated snow and be wary of road cuts or steep gullies where these slides will have the biggest consequences.

Avalanche Discussion

Around 18 inches of snow containing 1.7 inches of snow water equivalent has fallen in the Snake over the last 3 days. An impressive wind event occurred last night with wind speeds averaging over 40 miles per hour at the Mount Baird wind station. Strong winds were also recorded in lower elevation terrain. The wind is sure to have impacted the snow surface in most open/exposed terrain. Slabs will likely be stubborn to initiate but could break above you once you have committed to the slope. Additional snowfall with accumulations up to a foot in the highest elevations will add additional avalanche concerns. Today is a good day to seek out sheltered lower angle terrain and let the snowpack adjust after a significant weather event.

If you see avalanche activity or would like to help inform our forecasts, please submit an observation HERE. You can also text what you see to us at 307-264-3050. Any submission can remain anonymous.

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