Persistent slab avalanches remain an issue even though the likelihood has been decreasing because they are….persistent. Choose slopes without any terrain traps like creeks or gullies or other features like trees or rocks that will magnify the consequences of a slide. Watch for a few wet loose slides on sunny slopes near exposed rocks that reflect extra heat into surrounding snow.
The photo is a good example of a persistent slab avalanche that happened 4 days ago. It is also good example of a slope generally free of terrain traps.
(1/11/2026)
This slope is steep and often sees a lot of traffic. We routinely see avalanches here.
Photo: Mark Staples
The avalanche situation has mellowed out a lot since the holidays about two weeks ago. In ALL AREAS wind slabs are a concern, but the odds of triggering one of these has been decreasing each day. Yesterday’s few inches of snow near Bozeman and Big Sky may have formed some new, very shallow wind slabs that could be touchy this morning.
In the Southern Madison and Gallatin Ranges and the Lionhead area, persistent slab avalanches breaking 3-5 feet deep on a persistent weak layer of facets near the ground remain possible. The odds of triggering one of these has gone down, but I prefer not to mess around with these types of avalanches. As the name suggests, they are “persistent” and take a long time to cease being a problem. If you choose to get onto steeper slopes, make sure your partners are watching you, and know how to use avalanche rescue gear. Avoid slopes above trees, rocks, cliffs, gullies, creeks, or any feature that will magnify the consequences of an avalanche..
It pains me to write this, but wet loose avalanches will be a problem today with warm air temperatures and sunshine especially in the Bridger Range. These slides should happen predictably on sunny slopes especially near exposed rocks and cliffs that radiate extra heat into the snow.
The overall avalanche danger across the forecast area is MODERATE.
Check out recent observations and avalanche activity on our observation page. You can filter obs by zone, timeframe, or other options. Tabs on the upper right allow you to view obs, avalanche activity, or cool charts.
Regardless of the avalanche danger, don’t let your guard down and always make sure you have competent partners watching you from a safe location. There have been a few avalanche fatalities in recent weeks. One in Wyoming on Sunday illustrates that even small slides can be deadly.
