Avalanche forecast

Snake River Range

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Warming temperatures and solar radiation will destabilize recent snow on slopes facing the sun. Wet loose avalanches will be mostly likely on steep slopes, especially around rock features that heat surrounding snow surfaces. Monitor snow conditions and move to cooler, shaded terrain if you encounter rapidly warming snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Wet loose avalanches will be possible on steep terrain as temperatures climb above freezing with clearing skies today. These avalanches are more likely in areas that received more snowfall this week. East aspects will warm first, followed by south then west. More avalanche activity is expected in the afternoon, depending on the cloud cover. Look for rollerballs and pinwheels as clear signs of warming, unstable snow. Old, stubborn wind slabs could also destabilize and break on hardness changes if enough warming occurs today.

    Watch for rollerballs as a clear sign of warming and destabilizing snow.

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Spring Conditions

We have dropped the persistent slab problem in the Tetons and Snake River Range as the January drought layer has become unreactive, or "dormant". The weak snow formed during the month-long drought (composed of facets and surface hoar) can still be found in snowpits. The good news is that the hard overlying slab and weak layers have gained significant strength since its initial burial over a month ago. The last human triggered avalanches occurred directly after the large loading event February 24-25th. 

Wet loose avalanches shedding just the recent snow will be the main hazard today. Otherwise, mostly stable conditions will exist. This week it will be important to monitor temperatures during the big warm up. Record-breaking March temperatures are possible. If overnight temperatures increase above freezing we could experience wet slab activity failing on hardness changes in the snowpack. Any previous weak layers or crusts provide bed surfaces for avalanches as water percolates through the snowpack. Check the forecast regularly to stay up-to-date as we monitor conditions.

Access to terrain in the Snake River Range is becoming difficult due to the abnormally low snowpack below 7,000'. 

Regions covered