Avalanche forecast

Snake River Range

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Strong winds yesterday continued to load a weak snowpack. You will likely trigger an avalanche on steep slopes, especially those exposed to the wind. It is possible to trigger an avalanche remotely–from below, above, or to the side of steep slopes. Watch for pillows, drifts, and cracking in steep, wind-loaded terrain.

 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Yesterday, sustained southwest winds in the 20s and 30s mph built slabs on lee aspects at upper elevations in the Snake River Range.  Expect to find stiff drifts 1-3+ feet in depth sitting on a variety of facets and crusts. These slabs may be hard and break above you.  If skies clear and temperatures warm this afternoon, steep southerly slopes may become more sensitive to the weight of a rider. Use caution around steep wind-affected terrain and watch for cracking and stiff hollow sounding drifts.

    (12/15/2024)

    This large avalanche was remotely triggered in Christmas Tree Bowl in a zone bordering the Snake and with a similar snowpack structure on 12/15 on the surface hoar on the old/new interface. 

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Over 2 feet of snow fell in the Snake River Range since Saturday. This snow fell on various weak snow surfaces, including facets, crusts, and surface hoar.  This problem exists at middle and upper elevations and is more pronounced on north through east aspects. Remote triggering these slabs is possible from below, above or next to steep slopes. Use caution around any slope above 30 degrees, and remember that you may not see any signs of instability until you trigger an avalanche.  This problem is most pronounced where wind has contributed to the slab depth and hardness.  Give the snowpack time to adjust to this recent load and dig down and identify exactly where the weak snow exists.

     

    (12/15/2024)

    Around 16-20" of new snow has fallen on a weak interface of older snow in the Snake. Observers noted cracking and widespread collapsing. 

Avalanche Discussion

We transitioned today to a persistent slab problem. This indicates that the recent storm snow has continued to consolidate into a firmer, more cohesive slab. The underlying weak layers remain and need time to adjust. Be conservative around steep slopes as this process happens. Remember that triggering an avalanche remotely or from on top of a slab is possible. The danger is greatest where the persistent slab problem overlaps with the wind slab problem. The distribution of the underlying weak layers creates some uncertainty but they are widespread and easily found if you continue to dig down and investigate as you travel.  Consider the consequences of getting caught and avoid terrain traps and features where even a small avalanche could bury you.

Many obstacles remain hidden just below the snow surface. Rocks, stumps, and logs create a serious hazard for riders and can cause significant trauma. Keep this hazard in mind as you travel today and consider the consequences of an injury in the backcountry. Talk with your partners about contingency plans and what emergency equipment you have in your pack.

Please consider reporting avalanches or field observations here. Your observations help us handle snow and avalanche conditions better and make more accurate forecasts. Thanks!

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