Avalanche forecast

Snake River Range

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Human-triggered avalanches are likely at all elevations where winds have transported new snow. It remains possible to trigger an avalanche 2 - 4 feet deep on buried weak layers. Safer conditions can be found on slopes less than 30°, sheltered from the wind.

 An avalanche fatality occurred one week ago today on Togwotee Pass. Our sincere condolences go out to all those impacted by this avalanche. The full report can be found here.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Today, up to 7 inches of new snow and moderate winds from the west have formed new wind slabs 1 to 2 feet thick on all elevations. Expect to find this problem along ridgelines, on leeward slopes, and in cross-loaded terrain features such as gullies. These slabs will continue developing throughout the day as moderate winds shift to the northwest, with the greatest sensitivity occurring at upper elevations. Watch for obvious signs of instability such as cracking and collapsing. Steer clear of areas where winds have created fresh drifts, cornices, or stiffened snow surfaces. Wind slab avalanches could step down into buried weak layers, causing a larger more destructive avalanche. Riding on gentler terrain, sheltered from the wind, will help you avoid this problem.

    Small windslab at 8600' on an East aspect.

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak layers of snow formed in December remain buried 2-4 feet deep. It is possible to trigger a large avalanche on steep slopes at middle and upper elevations primarily on north aspects. Triggering an avalanche is most likely in thin areas around rocks or in exposed terrain where the wind has drifted snow. The likelihood of this problem is trending down, but the consequence remains very high. Two days ago, a large avalanche, likely triggered by a wind slab, was reported in the neighboring Teton zone. The problem is worse on shady aspects, but with a big enough trigger, any steep slope with weak, sugary snow at the ground remains suspect. Obvious signs of instability such as shooting cracks are usually absent with large hard slab avalanches.  Give yourself plenty of room around steep slopes, and remember that you could trigger a steep slope just by riding underneath it.

    (1/7/2025)

    Large persistent slab avalanche from earlier this week in the Snake River Range.

Avalanche Discussion

Stay alert for new snow instabilities today. Slopes over 30 degrees that are unaffected by the winds may still produce new snow avalanches. Keep an eye out for signs of instability. Snow totals vary across the zone. Pay attention to the conditions around you and remember that NW winds will continue to transport snow throughout the day. 

 Please consider submitting an observation HERE. Observations allow everyone to gain a better and more complete understanding of conditions. Thank you to everyone who has submitted observations this season!

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