Avalanche forecast

Snake River Range

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist as travel in and around terrain over 30° steep is not recommended. Strong southwest wind, heavy snowfall, and rain on snow in the lower to middle elevations will cause large natural avalanches. Pay attention to steep slopes above you where natural or remotely triggered avalanches can impact low angle terrain.

The NWS has issued a Winter Storm Warning that is in effect until Monday at 11:00 am

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong southwest wind 30-40 mph with gusts to 60 mph combined with heavy snowfall has formed slabs depths up to 2 feet with isolated areas up to 3 feet deep. These wind slabs could fail on mid-storm density breaks or weak bonding interfaces formed during dry conditions in January. Yesterday we saw high reactivity of recent snow which will continue today as slabs become deeper and more consequential. Avalanches could be triggered remotely from gentle terrain above, below, or beside steep slopes. Storm slabs will also be possible in terrain sheltered from the wind with shallow slab depths.

    (2/1/2025)

    A human triggered wind slab yesterday. Expect larger avalanches today.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Significant rain in the last 24 hours below around 8,000’ has rapidly destabilized the snowpack and will cause natural wet loose avalanches large enough to bury a person. Rising snow level will increase this risk into the middle elevations. Pay attention to steep slopes above you on paths, roads, or groomed snowmobile trails (especially steep road cuts). These avalanches can also be triggered on steep slopes and entrain large amounts of snow.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak snow near the base of the snowpack lurks 2-5 feet below the surface. This avalanche problem is currently dormant in the vast majority of terrain. Exceptions may be found in very steep terrain with shallow overall snow depths. Avalanches involving these layers could occur with a significant trigger such as a large wind slab avalanche.

Avalanche Discussion

The snowpack has rapidly destabilized in the last 24 hours. Red flag avalanche conditions are apparent across all elevations. Increasing snow level up to 8,000 has resulted in rain on snow which will cause natural wet loose avalanches. These avalanches could impact areas in the valleys. In the middle and upper elevations, the last two days have seen increased reactivity of recent snow with widespread signs of instability including shooting cracks and recent avalanches. Recent snow from the last 72 hours lies above weak bonding interfaces including facets and crusts. Large propagation has been observed due to the large distribution of these weak layers. If triggered, these avalanches could be large traveling a far distance across or upslope. The consequences of these avalanches if triggered have increased as more snow is loaded on weak bonding interfaces.  

24 Hour Snow Total: 9" / 1" SWE

72 Hour Snow Total: 21" / 2.6" SWE

Do not ignore all the signs of instability and rapidly changing conditions that are present today.

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