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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Heightened avalanche conditions exist on slopes with buried weak snow that formed in January. While an avalanche failing on this layer may be difficult to trigger, it would be a consequential 2 to 3 foot deep hard slab that warrants caution. Very steep shaded areas above 8,000 feet are most suspect. Be diligent with slope selection, aspect and slope angle as they are your best tools to avoid suspect terrain that harbors buried persistent weak layers.

Winds are forecast to be strong again today, so watch for shallow slab formation at high elevations on leeward slopes. If new slabs form they could be sensitive to the weight of a rider.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    Weak facets and buried surface hoar sit below a 2 to 3 foot deep hard slab. The likelihood of triggering a slide that breaks on this layer has been decreasing daily, but it is still possible and the consequences are still serious. Shaded slopes steeper than 35° degree, above 8,000 feet and below the exposed alpine is where you could encounter this problem. Avalanches failing on this layer are difficult to trigger and signs of instability will likely not be present. Be diligent with your terrain assessment and wary of steep slopes where this weak layer exists.

    Take a look at this persistent slab avalanche triggered two days ago in Prater Canyon in the Salt River Range. While not in this forecast zone, a very similar snow setup exists and this avalanche is a good reminder that these avalanches can still be triggered.

    (3/8/2026) Prater Canyon - North 8300’ (X=Snowmobile)

    This avalanche was triggered yesterday from the bottom of this sheltered, convex slope which had a skin and ski tracks on it. The avalanche partially buried three riders, one to the chest. A thick ice crust was on the snow surface. 

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Despite sustained moderate to strong winds, there has been minimal wind slab formation due to a rain crust that formed on 3/7 on nearly all aspects and elevations. That being said, it still may be possible to find a shallow slab on leeward slopes near high ridgelines where the crust does not exist or is thinner. If the couple of inches of snow in the forecast transpire, slabs will become more likely towards the end of the day. Pay attention to consistent blowing snow and slab formation around high peaks and ridgelines. If these are present you could find a shallow wind slab.

    (3/8/2026)

    The 3/7 raincrust that is preserving the snow surface and limiting wind slab formation.

Avalanche Discussion

On 3/7 a freezing rain event affected the majority of our forecast areas. It started off as a foggy mist and progressed to actual precipitation. This crust is thin (less than a quarter inch), but it is enough that you will notice it on a snowmobile and maybe hate it on skis or a snowboard.

From reports and our travels it seems to exist at all elevations and aspects. In the upper elevations a rime crust has formed on top of it. For the moment this crust does not seem to have much of an effect on avalanche stability, but it does seem to be protecting the old snow surface from the period of elevated winds that we are experiencing right now.

Moving forward we will continue to monitor whether this crust becomes eroded by the wind, allowing softer snow to be transported and form slabs. More importantly, it could provide a slick bed surface for any new snow that falls or is deposited on top of it. Keep this in mind throughout this week.

If you see an avalanche or something interesting in the snow, please consider submitting an observation. Thanks to those who have submitted recently.

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