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Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Clear skies will destabilize recent snow throughout the day on steep slopes facing the sun. Use extra caution on wind loaded southerly aspects where wind slabs and larger wet avalanches will be possible to trigger. Pay attention to the snow transitioning from dry to wet and look for clues of heating snow surfaces such as rollerballs or pinwheels. 

We will issue our last daily avalanche forecast Sunday April 20th and transition to issuing General Avalanche Information Bulletins twice per week or as needed based on weather conditions.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Snow that fell yesterday will destabilize once the sun impacts and heats snow surfaces throughout the day. Steep east aspects will warm first followed by south and then west. Natural wet loose avalanches will be more likely on steep terrain surrounded by rocks that heat surrounding snow surfaces. Expect larger avalanches where you encounter deeper recent snow on wind loaded terrain (where both avalanche problems overlap). Seek cooler shaded slopes once snow surfaces soften to wet snow and destabilize. 

    Watch for overhead hazards as ice that formed yesterday falls around rock features and cliffs. Give cornices a wide safety margin and limit exposure beneath them.

    Larger wet loose avalanches be possible on more sustained slopes with terrain traps that entrain snow such as gullies or couloirs. 

  • Wind Slabs

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

    4-8 inches of new snow combined with primarily northeast wind formed soft slabs up to 12-16 inches deep on cross-loaded and leeward terrain. Triggering avalanches will be possible on steep slopes open and exposed to the wind in the upper elevations, especially around confined features such as couloirs. Be careful as wind slabs could appear unreactive and more stubborn to trigger today. Northerly wind loaded snow in atypical areas. Look for signs of wind transport such as drifts, fresh cornices, and stiffened or cracking snow surfaces.

    (4/18/2025)

    Wind loaded terrain identified by the wavy snow texture and dense drifts. 

    Photo: Alex Drinkard

Avalanche Discussion

Spring Storm Snow 

The quick storm yesterday was accompanied by gusty northerly wind that created variable snow surfaces of dense wind-packed snow or scoured the snow revealing old firm surfaces. Today’s avalanche problems will be directly related to the snow that fell yesterday, primarily on wind loaded terrain facing the sun. You can identify wind loaded slopes by analyzing the snow texture. Look for wavy textures with drifts as an indication of wind loaded slopes. Many wind scoured slopes will appear off-white colored due to the dust particles. These wind-scoured slopes may transition to corn conditions once sun-softened and be quite pleasant to ride and easier to manage the avalanche problems. A cold freeze last night will help offset wet snow avalanches early in the day until the warm April sun impacts the snow.  

Thank you to everyone who helped make this winter so enjoyable. We couldn’t do this without all the detailed observations and willingness to share your experiences with avalanches. Our observation and website will remain operational as we transition to General Bulletins next week. We will also continue to update our 24 Hour Data Summary (Big Sheet) on a daily basis in the later morning hours. Cheers!

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Human Factor 2.0 Backcountry Recreation Survey: For years, the avalanche community has worked to understand and address the human factors that influence decision-making in the backcountry.  A current project involves interviewing backcountry recreationalists traveling in avalanche terrain for at least one season. All participants will be entered to win some great raffle prizes (from Jones Snowboards, BCA, and more!).

Please consider taking 1-2 minutes to fill out our basic initial survey. 

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