Avalanche forecast

Snake River Range

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Triggering an avalanche 1 - 3 feet deep is possible in very steep terrain at all elevations. These avalanches are most likely on leeward aspects where previous winds deposited additional snow. Give yourself a safety margin around terrain traps and very steep, rocky, convex slopes today.

 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Lingering wind slabs 1- 2 feet thick exist on lee aspects at upper elevations. These slabs will be isolated to very steep terrain, directly below exposed ridgelines, or in cross-loaded terrain features. There is a chance these slabs could break deeper than expected in areas around rocky unsupported slopes and convexities. Look for pillows, drifts, and cornices to identify where these slabs may have formed. 

    It’s unlikely you’ll trigger a very large avalanche that fails on deeper weak layers buried up to 3 feet at middle and upper elevations. At lower elevations where the snowpack is thinner and temperatures are warmer, avalanches involving these layers will be possible. This layer can be found in pits and is still showing propagation in tests, but is deep and less likely to be impacted. While the likelihood is decreasing, the consequences of triggering a very large avalanche on this layer remain high.

    Multiple tracks on a slope do not indicate stability. The best way to manage this problem is to give yourself a safety margin around terrain traps and rocky, convex, very steep slopes today.

    (2/11/2025)

    This layer of concern now has another 3 feet of snow loading it...

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

The avalanche problem today will center around lingering wind slabs that formed during the previous storm. While there hasn't been a lot of observed activity with the new snow, there have been isolated reports of avalanches triggered 1-2 feet deep in steep complex terrain. We just came out of a storm that just delivered 3-4 feet of snow in the Snake River Range. As skies cleared yesterday, we started to receive reports of larger avalanches across the neighboring Teton forecast zone. With this large amount of snow and recent activity, I would expect to see lingering slabs in upper elevations. Based on the information we have, the lingering slabs are located in isolated terrain and are stubborn. This means they may not show signs of instability before breaking beneath you. I'd guess you're most likely to find these on very steep, rocky, convex slopes where the snowpack has little support. This also happens to line up with the terrain that riders tend to step out into during clearer weather, or decreased danger. 

There have also been isolated reports of avalanche activity on persistent weak layers at lower elevations. These layers are easier to impact due to their shallower depth. Avalanches on this layer are less likely today, after cycling through warm and cold temperatures, but are still possible. Temperatures in the low 30s today may increase their sensitivity again. 

Give yourself a safety margin today - especially around very steep slopes with rocky outcroppings and convexities. In periods of improving stability, it remains important to follow safe travel practices despite a lack of general avalanche activity. Travel one at a time in steep terrain, avoid stopping in the runout of avalanche terrain, and communicate with your partners throughout the day.

Dig around, take pictures, and let us know what you find out there - thanks!

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