Avalanche forecast

Snake River Range

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

It is possible to trigger an avalanche in isolated areas. Evaluate snow for signs of instability, especially in very steep, wind affected terrain above 10,000’ feet where triggering an avalanche may be more likely. Buried weak layers exist and should be considered before committing to very steep terrain features. Natural avalanches are unlikely.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Yesterday, wind slabs were largely unreactive to human triggering. Check exposed areas today to be sure that these wind slabs are truly stable before committing to your line. Three to six inches of new, light density snow and increasing west then northwesterly winds mid-day could build fresh wind slabs up to a foot thick. Though on the shallow side, these soft slabs will likely be sensitive to triggering. Stubborn older wind slabs at higher elevations could be 1-2 feet thick.

    (1/4/2026)

    Textbook example of cracking indicating a fresh wind slab. This suggests the slope below could be unstable if steep.

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–2.5

    The primary weak layer to keep on your radar is the crust buried two to four feet down. The layer continues to show signs of propagating a crack in about half of stability tests performed.  It is of most concern from about 8,200’ to 9,500’ and is present across all aspects. The most recent avalanches on this layer required very large loads or explosives to trigger however recent snow and wind has been slowly adding more weight and stress. Human triggering of this layer is unlikely but can’t be ruled out. Certain terrain and snowpack configurations like very steep, unsupported slopes, heavily wind-affected areas, or very large triggers should be considered.

    Skier triggered avalanche in steep upper elevation terrain in the Snake River Range on Dec 31. An old wind slab  was triggered that entrained snow as it ran on the xmas crust. The skier was not caught or carried.

    SS-AS-R2-D2-I

    45-60cm /1.5-2 feet deep

Avalanche Discussion

Time will tell what becomes of the Christmas crust. This layer developed during warm temperatures and rain over the Christmas and Boxing Day holiday with a thin layer of small faceted grains forming during a subsequent cold snap. Recent stability tests that show stubborn but very planar results may prove to be false unstable results. Tests and observations have been limited during this period of reduced visibility and storm so it would be worth your time to dig to be sure more developed facets and a weaker layer don’t exist. There are definitely gaps in our observations with little feedback from much of the Snake River Range, as well as the west and north sides of the Tetons. A paper thin, fragile crust that appears to be impermeable was formed by a brief period of misting rain on January 3rd. The layer exists about a foot down. No propagation in stability tests or avalanches have been observed on this layer. It’s a layer worth monitoring though, especially if a slab forms on top or if cold weather drives faceting around it.

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