Avalanche forecast

Snake River Range

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Recent strong winds and snowfall have formed slabs and added stress to buried persistent weak layers. Triggering an avalanche is most likely on steep, wind-loaded slopes, but still possible in sheltered terrain. Persistent slab avalanches can behave unpredictably. Stick to lower angle slopes and avoid steep terrain as the snowpack adjusts to the recent loading.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Triggering an avalanche up to 3 feet deep is possible on buried weak layers. Sheltered, northerly aspects between 8,000’ and 9,500’ are the most dangerous and where we have seen almost all of the avalanche activity this week. Buried facets and surface hoar have a similar distribution in these areas but dig down to assess where these layers are buried. Buried surface hoar is notorious for propagating far cross-slope and being remotely triggered from gentle terrain above, below, or beside steep slopes. Other aspects cannot be ruled out yet. Give yourself a wide margin of safety around steep slopes today.

    Slopes that are wind-loaded and harbor buried weak layers will be dangerous today. 

    Remotely triggered avalanche from the adjacent ridgeline that failed 5 days ago on buried surface hoar. 

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong west and southwest winds over the last three days have redistributed new snow and formed wind slabs up to 2 feet deep. These slabs could be sensitive to the weight of a rider. Look for wind slab below ridgelines, around cliffs, and in crossroads terrain features. Recent strong winds have affected snow surfaces at most elevations. On very exposed upper elevation slopes, hard wind slabs exist and could break above you instead of at your feet. Look for obvious signs of wind-affected snow, including large drifts, stiffened surfaces, and shooting cracks. Wind slabs can break deeper and step down to buried weak layers.

    Watch for shooting cracks or signs of wind loading on leeward terain today. 

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

The snowpack is continuing to adjust to recent loading. Approach the mountains with an assessment mindset today as we continue to get a handle on the distribution of buried facets and surface hoar and the sensitivity to triggering. Dig around in the top 2-3 feet of the snowpack and see what you find and if the slab overlying these weak layers wants to propagate (ECTs). Then let us know what you find and send in an observation. It’s critical to our forecasting and we can’t thank you enough.

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