Avalanche forecast

Snake River Range

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Watch for fresh slabs formed in the upper elevations from shifting wind and recent snow. These wind slabs could move quickly on the previous snow surfaces. Heightened avalanche conditions exist on very steep, shaded terrain where buried weak layers could cause larger avalanches. Identify slopes where this problem could exist and give those a larger margin of safety. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Over the last 36 hours, areas favored by the storm have received ~10 inches of snow. Veering wind from south to north has formed soft slabs in wind loaded terrain up to 10-16 inches deep. These will be primarily in the upper elevations on terrain exposed to the wind or above treeline. Wind slabs are capable of running fast and entraining snow due to the previous bed surfaces. Watch for shooting cracks, stiffened surface, and large drifts as indications of wind loaded terrain. 

    Clearing skies by the afternoon could destabilize new snow and cause small wet loose avalanches on slopes facing the sun. These are more likely around rock features that heat surrounding snow surfaces. 

    (2/24/2026)

    Shooting cracks is a clear sign of unstable wind loaded snow. 

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    Weak snow formed in January is buried 2-4 feet below hard slabs. Although the likelihood of triggering has decreased thanks to time and suitable weather to promote healing, these weak layers exist in specific areas. Riders could find this problem on very steep terrain over 35° that is shaded above 8,000’. Knowing exactly where these weak layers of surface hoar and facets are still reactive is difficult due to their spotty distribution. Give very steep, north facing terrain a large margin of safety due to the unpredictable nature of this problem. If uncertain, avoid these slopes altogether as the consequences will be high. 

    Signs of instability will not be present, so thorough terrain and snowpack assessment is necessary. These weak layers could exist on terrain that is wind loaded or sheltered from the wind. 

    Cornice Falls: Large triggers such as cornice falls increase the likelihood of impacting buried weak layers and triggering a large avalanche. Limit exposure on or below cornices.

    A large natural persistent slab avalanche that happened around the last storm 2/25.

     

Avalanche Discussion

March Storm

A quick storm has produced varied snowfall amounts over the last 36 hours. Light to moderate wind has accompanied this storm, as opposed to the windy, harsh atmospheric rivers we’ve experienced this winter. Wind direction veered from south to north yesterday. Slab formation will be minimal, but will exist in specific terrain above ~9,000’. Northerly wind can load abnormal slopes. Keep this problem in mind if you travel into the uppermost elevations or areas that received more snow. Slab depths will be more likely as you gain elevation. These slabs could move productively given the previous widespread spread melt freeze crust on W-S-E aspects and faceted snow on northerly aspects that remained dry. 

Deeper down, the snowpack has had time to heal since our last significant loading event on Feb 24-25th. The January drought layer produced numerous avalanches during this cycle. Since then, we haven’t had much avalanche activity and snow stability tests have varied based on the distribution of the surface hoar and facets. Time, as well as warm weather and diurnal temperature fluctuations, have helped these weak layers adjust to the overlying slab. As a result, persistent slab avalanches are less likely. There is plenty of evidence of stable slopes out there as folks begin to step out into bigger terrain. Use your best judgment to identify slopes where this problem is still a threat and assess the snowpack and terrain thoroughly. Digging a quick pit in the snow can give you valuable insight into the stability of the snowpack. Terrain traps such as trees, cliffs, and gullies above the suspect terrain should warrant significant caution. Check out the Recent Avalanches to learn more about where these weak layers have been most reactive. 

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