Avalanche forecast

Snake River Range

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Backcountry travelers have the ability to trigger avalanches that are 1-3 feet deep. Steep, shaded terrain at the middle and upper elevations is the most likely place to produce a large avalanche. In addition, be on the lookout for pockets of wind-drifted snow in exposed terrain. Carefully evaluate the snowpack structure before committing to a slope. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Yesterday, around 5-7" of new snow fell, favoring the western sides of the Snake. Westerly winds averaged in the teens, shifting easterly today. Slabs will be deepest and most sensitive to triggering on slopes where the wind has created fresh drifts at upper elevations. Watch for signs of wind-loading, including blowing snow, dense drifts, and smooth or rippled textures. Cracking is a good indication that you have found unstable snow. These soft slabs will likely only involve today’s snowfall. However, it is possible that a surface slab could step down to deeper weak layers in the snowpack, resulting in a larger avalanche.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Slabs of cohesive snow 1-3 feet thick overlay weak, faceted snow above 7,500’. The potential to trigger an avalanche at this interface is most likely on slopes on the northern half of the compass above 8,500’, but it is also possible on some sunny slopes due to the patchy distribution of weak snow. Collapsing the weak layer in steep, rocky, or unsupported terrain is the best way to trigger one of these avalanches. Remember that a slope can be ridden several times before a particular spot is impacted. South-facing slopes that were bare ground before Dec 15th hold a generally more stable snowpack. 

    If you are uncertain about the structure of the snowpack where you are skiing or riding, the best way to avoid triggering an avalanche is to seek out low-angle terrain.

    (12/21/2024)

    A large natural hard slab avalanche in the Snake that occured somtime around 12/18.

Avalanche Discussion

The whole story of our snowpack structure has yet to play out. Plan your terrain choices for low-coverage hazards, and always check out the snow you're riding. The distribution of this season's weak snow is in pockets across different terrain features, aspects, and elevations. This patchy nature makes it hard for a rider to predict spatially. Move one at a time while in avalanche terrain, and keep up the curiosity. A glimpse beneath the snow can reveal much and help you plan your terrain choices accordingly. Hand pits, probing, and performing a snowpit test are the best ways to identify the current persistent problem. An impressive natural avalanche cycle was recently documented in the Snake/Palisades. See the observation here.

’Twas the day before Christmas, and all through the mountains, all the people wondered, "What happened to the precip fountains?"

The stockings were hung by the boot drier with care, in hopes that Ullr would soon be there.

But make no mistake, winter soon will deliver; on the heels of the holiday, an atmospheric river.

Happy Holidays from the BTAC crew!

 

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