Avalanche forecast

Snake River Range

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Sunny, clear skies will quickly destabilize recent snow causing wet loose avalanches on solar aspects. Pay attention to signs of warming snow - seek cooler, shaded terrain when you find snow becoming wet and unstable. Plan your exit and move to gentler terrain free from overhead hazards as the day progresses. 

 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    You're unlikely to trigger a very large avalanche that fails on deeper weak layers buried up to 3 feet at middle and upper elevations. Rapid settlement and increasing temperatures create some uncertainty regarding the reactivity of the new slab sitting on these weak layers. At lower elevations where the snowpack is thinner and temperatures are warmer, avalanches will be possible. This layer can be found in pits and can still show propagation but is deep and less likely to be impacted. While the likelihood is decreasing, the consequences of triggering a very large avalanche on this layer remain high. The best way to manage this problem is to give yourself a safety margin around very steep slopes while the snowpack continues to adjust. 

    (2/11/2025)

    This layer of concern now has another 3 feet of snow loading it...

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

  • Loose Wet

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

    Wet snow avalanches will become likely, and the threat of natural and human-triggered avalanches will increase throughout the day. With clear sunny skies, recent snow will quickly destabilize, causing wet loose avalanches on solar aspects. The largest of these will occur on very steep, rocky slopes directly facing the sun, where solar input is greatest. These avalanches often initiate as a 'point release' near exposed rocks or the base of trees and grow in size as they travel downhill. This problem will follow the sun, starting with SE aspects and wrapping around to S and W as the sun moves across the sky. Watch for early indications of a warming snow surface such as rollerballs, pinwheels, or damp snow. Even a small wet avalanche can quickly knock you off your feet and drag you downhill.  Give yourself options, including low-angled routes and exits not threatened by steep sunny slopes above. Seek cooler, shaded terrain if you find snow becoming wet and unstable. 

    (4/12/2024)

    An example of a wet loose slide from the previous season. 

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Heating of Recent Snow

A significant amount of snow fell February 14-19. The recent snow will experience rapidly changing conditions. Today is the first day of full sun heating up recent snow and destabilizing it. Snow surfaces will destabilize creating wet loose avalanches. The heating of the snow will also influence the overlying slab above the buried persistent weak layers. Weak faceted snow around a crust has been found into the upper elevation band. It’s tough to predict how the sun will influence the reactivity, but I wouldn’t gamble on it today. Stack the cards in your favor and stick to less consequential terrain away from destabilizing snow on slopes facing the sun. The good news is that the large temperature fluctuations will help the snowpack stabilize. The persistent weak layers are gaining strength over time, but this process is slow. There are plenty of high-quality riding conditions on less consequential terrain. Spring conditions ripe for stepping into larger terrain is around the corner. 

Dig around, take pictures, and let us know what you find out there - thanks!

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