Avalanche forecast

Snake River Range

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago.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

Highlights

Triggering a large avalanche 2-3 feet deep is possible today. The danger is highest on shady slopes above 8000 feet where weak, sugary snow remains preserved and buried.  Snow and wind will continue to create unstable conditions at upper elevations throughout the day. Drifting and shooting cracks are evidence of unstable snow. Evaluate steep slopes carefully and use caution around wind-affected terrain. Identify terrain traps where even small avalanches could bury you.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak, sugary facets formed in January are buried 2-3 feet in many locations. The likelihood of triggering a large avalanche is highest on very steep slopes above 8,000 feet that face west, through north, through east, where weak, faceted snow is best preserved. Warning signs will most likely not be present until it’s too late. Consider the consequences of an avalanche before committing to steep terrain. Watch out for terrain traps and identify slopes with a persistent slab problem (at or above 35° in slope angle, shady, and above 8000 feet).

    This is a great example of the persistent nature of the problem we are facing. While this avalanche was south of the Snake River Range, very similar conditions exist in this forecast zone.

    (3/8/2026) Prater Canyon - North 8300’ (X=Snowmobile)

    This avalanche was triggered yesterday from the bottom of this sheltered, convex slope which had a skin and ski tracks on it. The avalanche partially buried three riders, one to the chest. A thick ice crust was on the snow surface. 

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Several inches of snow in the last two days, combined with strong westerly winds, have built shallow slabs on multiple aspects. Several more inches could fall today, with gusts to 50 mph. Look for wind-deposited snow below ridgelines and cliffs at upper elevations. While slabs will most likely be small, they could be sitting on recently buried crusts and could run further and faster than you anticipate if triggered. Strong winds may have formed isolated slabs in exposed areas at middle elevations. You will see blowing snow today, so take note of where it’s being deposited, and watch for stiff drifts and shooting cracks in steep, exposed terrain. 

    (2/26/2026)

    Watch for small wind slab develpment below ridges and cliffs.

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Expect a variety of snow surfaces getting into and out of the mountains.  A lack of snow at lower elevations continues to make access challenging. Recent warm temperatures formed crusts at middle and upper elevations that are now buried by recent storms. Any avalanches in recent snow could run farther and faster than you expect on these crusts. While upper elevations received up to 6” in the last 2 days (Baird), it’s possible that there are isolated areas with significantly more snow. Pay attention to new snow amounts and watch for heavily drifted areas along ridges and around rocky outcrops. 

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