Avalanche forecast

Snake River Range

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanche danger will increase by the afternoon. Natural and human-triggered wet loose avalanches will be possible on slopes facing the sun at middle and upper elevations. Watch for signs of warming as the day progresses. Snow surfaces becoming wet, slushy, or unsupportable indicate weakening snow. Cornices have grown large; give them a wide berth today. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Clear skies combined with warmer temperatures will make wet loose avalanches possible by the afternoon. Higher elevations - where recent snow totals are larger - may be able to produce avalanches large enough to bury a person.  Steep slopes directly facing the sun will pose the greatest threat of avalanches. East-facing slopes will warm first, followed by south and then west aspects. Increased avalanche activity may occur near rock features where the surrounding snow surface heats up quickly. 

    Wet avalanches often start at a point and fan out, quickly entraining large amounts of snow. Snow from recent storms sits on a strong crust interface, allowing these slides to move quickly and far. Monitor the snow surface for signs of warming such as roller balls or snow shedding from rock features. Steer clear of slopes where snow has become wet, slushy, or unsupportable. Time your run or ride to be off slopes facing the sun before they become too warm.

    Cornices: Large cornices exist along many ridgelines. As temperatures increase, these cornices will become more sensitive and could fail without warning. Give ridgelines plenty of room, as cornices can break further back than expected. Avoid lingering on slopes where these large chunks of snow linger above. 

    (2/28/2025)

    An example of small point release wet slides from exposed rocks. 

Avalanche Discussion

Wind Slab: At upper elevations, isolated pockets of unstable wind-drifted snow may exist. These are most likely to exist near exposed ridgelines and below cornices. Earlier this week, fresh wind slabs were reactive but are probably well-bonded at this point. Even so, there is an outlier chance of finding a wind slab in very steep alpine terrain. If you find the snow quality changes to a stiffer or hollow-sounding nature, it's likely you found a pocket of wind-affected snow. Shooting cracks are also an obvious sign that the snow is unstable. Consider moving away from slopes where winds have created unstable pockets. Be more wary of wind slabs if you travel into more complex terrain where even a small slab can have large consequences. 

Wet loose avalanches were reported primarily on very steep terrain around rock or cliff features yesterday. Expect similar avalanche activity today, with larger avalanches on larger slopes. Skies are expected to remain clear today - be prepared for a higher likelihood of encountering wet loose avalanches as the snow transitions from dry to wet. The sun is strong in April and doesn't take long to affect snow surfaces. At lower elevations, recent snow totals are significantly less, and much of the snowpack has transitioned to an isothermal nature. Any wet loose activity at this elevation will be small, but it's important to remember that larger slides can travel down from higher elevations. 

If you see avalanche activity today, please consider submitting an observation HERE. Observations allow everyone to gain a better and more complete understanding of conditions. Thanks!

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