Avalanche forecast

Snake River Range

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering an avalanche is possible in steep upper elevation terrain. Rocks, ground and vegetation lurking below the surface will increase the chance for injury if involved in an avalanche today. In the middle and lower elevations avalanches are less likely, where recent snow is generally more stable and has fallen on bare ground.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak snow that formed in November sits below slabs that formed over the last several days. These slabs are 1-2 feet thick and remain sensitive to the weight of a person. This problem is confined to steep upper elevation terrain and on shaded aspects in the mid elevations. Pay attention to warning signs such as collapsing and shooting cracks. When these signs are present, move into lower angle terrain. The chance also exists for remote triggering. Give steep terrain a wide berth to account for this possibility today.

    Skier triggered avalanches were observed 2 days ago, failing on weak snow near the ground. Expect more of the same today. While the likelihood has gone down, the consequences remain high due to early season conditions.

    Photo: Joey Manship

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow overnight combined with moderate winds out of the west today will form slabs up to a foot in depth. These slabs will be easiest to trigger in steep terrain. Triggering a fresh wind slab has the potential to step down to deeper weak layers and create avalanches large enough to catch and carry riders and skiers.

Avalanche Discussion

An unusually slow start to winter has created snowpack issues that are isolated to specific terrain. Prior to this most recent storm, snow on the ground was confined to the upper elevation shaded aspects. Some old snow in the middle elevations could be found in north facing terrain, but is likely patchy in its distribution. Bare ground was prevalent in the lower elevations and on solar aspects in the mid elevations. As a result, we are left with a persistent slab problem that is relatively easy to identify based on elevation and aspect.

New snow that fell over the last several days was followed by a warming temperature trend. While this made for upside down riding conditions, it has helped to consolidate the new snow. This is good news in terrain that lacked snow coverage prior to loading. In terrain harboring old snow, the situation warrants caution, as much of that old snow is weak, faceted and requires more time to adjust to the new load.

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