Avalanche forecast

Snake River Range

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The snowpack is generally stable. It is important to remember that low danger does not mean no danger. The chance for skiers and riders to trigger small avalanches in isolated terrain features exists. Watch for any sign of recent avalanche activity and avoid similar terrain. Terrain to be wary of includes very steep terrain with harsh terrain consequences such as steep gullies or cliff areas.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    A slight potential may remain to trigger avalanches involving buried weak layers.  If triggered, these slabs could release as pockets slab with depths up to 18 inches. Isolated areas of avalanche terrain that could have preserved buried surface hoar are the most likely places to still trigger an avalanche. These areas are most likely to be found in north facing terrain around 9000 feet. The chance to trigger an avalanche has greatly decreased but since it can not be entirely ruled out, maintaining standard travel protocols such as having the proper gear, only exposing one person at a time to steep terrain and watching out for your partner(s) when exposed is essential.

    (1/12/2026)

    Snowmobile triggered Avalanche in La Barge Creek just east of Commissary Ridge that resulted in a fatality on 1/11/2026. 

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Days of high pressure with warm inversion conditions followed by the arrival of colder air the last 2 days has resulted in an overall strengthening of the snow pack. Avalanches are becoming less and less likely to be triggered, particularly in south facing terrain where sunlight and temperatures in the 40s have made firm crusts.  It can not be emphasized enough that it may be possible to find a rare weak spot, in an isolated piece of terrain where an avalanche may be triggered. Be thoughtful in terrain choices as increased weekend/holiday traffic and fair weather will push recreationalists into more remote and more aggressive terrain. 

Pay attention to current snow surfaces as they may be crucial to understanding avalanche conditions when new storms arrive.  These surfaces include melt-freeze and sun-crusts, wind crusts, and settled powder in the form of near surface facets should. Also important to note are areas where surface hoar has been forming.

It is important to remember the tragic accident in the nearby Salt/Wyoming Range forecast area occurred just last Sunday where a relatively small slide resulted in a fatality. Although the weather since that time has decreased the chances of triggering avalanches, therefore lowering the danger rating, a small and unlikely event can still have severe consequences.

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