Avalanche forecast

Snake River Range

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Generally safe avalanche conditions exist. Continue to use safe travel techniques and consider the consequences in the unlikely event that you trigger a persistent slab avalanche in very steep, rocky terrain. 

A Winter Storm Warning will go into effect this afternoon until Sunday evening. 

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.  Very steep, wind-scoured, rocky terrain is the most likely place to find a trigger point. Wind-affected areas and rocky outcrops often hide thin spots in the snowpack where you can impact the buried weak layer. Signs of instability, such as cracking or collapsing, may not be present before triggering a persistent slab avalanche. Evaluate terrain for locations where the snowpack is thin. Sheltered terrain that is not affected by the sun and wind will hold the best and safest riding.

    (1/30/2025)

    This persistent slab avalanche, likely from within the past week, was triggered on a steep, rocky, wind-scoured NW slope at 10,400' in the Gros Ventre Range. 

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Today is the last day of generally stable avalanche conditions in the Snake River Range. An approaching storm system arrives this evening bringing up to 38" of snow to upper elevations by the end of the weekend. As this system moves into the region, light snowfall and increasing  SW winds are expected this afternoon. Pay attention to changing conditions today. Temperatures are cooler today at high elevations - combined with developing clouds, the small wet avalanches we've seen on steep southern aspects should subside. In the late afternoon, high elevations may start to see light wind transport.

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 tonight. 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 and increased danger this weekend. 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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