Avalanche forecast

Snake River Range

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

The chance of triggering an avalanche will increase today with warming temperatures. Small wet slides could become possible on steep sunny slopes. Warm overnight temperatures could make snow surfaces sensitive sooner than expected. It is unlikely that you will trigger an avalanche on weak layers buried 2-4 feet. As snow surfaces become wet, move to shady slopes unaffected by the sun and wind which will hold the best riding conditions.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    It is unlikely that you will trigger a large avalanche that fails on weak snow on the ground. Basal facets are buried 2-4 feet in the Snake River Range and have not had any observed avalanche activity in 3 weeks. Warming temperatures could increase the sensitivity of the overlying slab, but you would still have to be unlucky enough to find the one thin trigger point.  Very steep terrain is the most likely place to find a trigger point. Wind-affected areas and rocky outcrops often hide thin spots where you can impact the weak layer.  Evaluate the snowpack and terrain with an eye for warming and thin spots. Sheltered terrain that is not affected by the sun and wind will hold the best and safest riding.

    (1/13/2025)

    This photos shows and example of where you can trigger persistent weak layers. 

Avalanche Discussion

Wet loose activity was observed yesterday on steep, sunny slopes and could continue today. The strong temperature inversion remains in place, and snow surfaces at middle and upper elevations could warm faster than expected. Triggering a wet loose avalanche could be possible, and it could easily entrain enough snow to knock you off your feet. Although activity is expected to be loose, small, and not widespread enough to warrant an increase in the danger rating, continue to monitor conditions in the field. This hazard is avoidable by staying off of sunny slopes as the day progresses, where snow surfaces have warmed to the point of being wet. Rollerballs originating from your track are a good indicator of warming snow.

The last two and a half weeks have been mostly dry, with plenty of sunshine, cold (and warm) temperatures, and wind. These conditions have created a variety of snow conditions at and near the surface. Extensive faceting exists in shady, sheltered locations, hard windboard exists in exposed areas, and surface hoar exists in some locations. Multiple crusts have formed on southwest through southeast slopes exposed to the sun. Most of this equates to an increase in avalanche activity during and after the next storm that will arrive tomorrow night. One weather model shows the Snakes (at 8900’) receiving over 3.5 inches of water and over 50 inches of snow. Regardless of the totals, expect avalanche activity this weekend and create a mental model of where these current conditions exist and how that will affect danger this weekend.

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. 

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