Avalanche forecast

Snake River Range

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Triggering a large avalanche remains possible in steep (>35 degrees), wind loaded terrain today. Wet loose avalanches may release naturally today when temperatures warm mid-day. You'll find great riding on shady and wind-sheltered areas where avalanche problems are at a minimum.  Look for signs of wind-loading and softening snow that is becoming damp in the sun.

 

 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    A foot of new snow has fallen over the past 48 hours in the Snake River Range.  Wind speeds were low enough that these slabs are most likely to be around 12-18" thick and soft. Cross-loaded terrain features and areas beneath cliffs, especially those areas impacted by sunshine will be most sensitive to triggering today. Localized wind drifting may have occurred on exposed ridgetops below 9,000' as well so look for surface textures and cracking in your travels.

    You're also likely to find significant sluffing on steep and shady slopes that were sheltered from the wind. 

    Baird wind station (9,700') wind rose showing wind speed and direction since Monday at midnight. This wind station is very high and unobstructed and tends to read accurately compared to other areas at that elevation.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    A copious amount of snow has fallen over the past few days (~18" since Sunday) with light to moderate wind speeds the past two days. We're starting out with significantly colder temperatures this morning but the high March sun will bear down on southerly slopes and loosen the top several inches of this snow, more so at lower elevations and around cliffs and in couloirs. This problem will be pretty obvious with rollerballs, pinwheels and damp surface snow.  These same slopes will refreeze as they enter the shade later today. 

    (3/18/2025) Near Smoky Hollow Peak (8,800')

    No propagation in this pit though there were several planar interfaces that could be sliding surfaces/failure planes if the upper snowpack slabs up in the wind or sun. The top foot of snow was very soft and will warm quickly in the sunshine.

Avalanche Discussion

In the past two days, 12" of snow containing an inch of water was recorded at the Baird snow plot at 8,900'. Most of that snow fell on light to moderate wind speeds and cold temperatures. This lower density snow will change rapidly as sunshine hits the surface. So far, no one has reported triggered a storm slab in the recent snow despite there being some density changes in the snowpack. 

If you see avalanche activity or would like to help inform our forecasts, please submit an observation HERE. You can also text what you see to us at 307-264-3050. Any submission can remain anonymous.

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