Avalanche forecast

Snake River Range

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The avalanche danger will rise as the day heats up and sunny conditions destabilize the snow surface. Loose snow avalanches large enough to bury a person are possible on steep slopes that face the sun. In addition, triggering a wind slab up to 18 inches deep is possible in very steep and wind loaded terrain at the upper elevations. Avoid steep, wind loaded terrain and be prepared to move to shaded slopes if you observe wet snow or natural avalanche activity.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Sunny conditions and mild temperatures will destabilize the snow surface as the day warms making loose snow avalanches possible on very steep south facing slopes. These avalanches could be triggered by humans or release naturally near exposed rocks/cliff bands. While the majority of loose snow avalanches will be small today, these slides have the potential to entrain a significant amount of snow and some could grow large enough to bury a person. This is especially true for large south facing slopes that funnel into tight gullies. Monitor the snow surface conditions for wet snow as you travel today and move to shaded terrain if you begin to see roller balls or natural loose snow avalanches.

    A recent small wet loose avalanche in the Palisades. Expect avalanches like this to occur later today. Some may become larger in big, south-facing terrain features. 

     

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs up to 18 inches deep were formed 36-48 hours ago by moderate to strong winds out of the east/northeast. Winds have since shifted to the northwest making slab formation possible on a variety of aspects in the upper elevations. Skiers and riders can still trigger one of these slabs in very steep terrain (>35°). The sunny and mild conditions that are expected today may increase the likelihood of triggering a wind slab as the day warms. The majority of these avalanches will be small, but could knock you off your feet in exposed terrain. Avoid very steep slopes with signs of wind loading such as dense drifts or cracking within the recent snow.

    Look for this type of wind slab on very steep convexities, around cliffs, and crossloaded terrain features like couloirs. 

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

If you see avalanche activity today, please consider submitting an observation HERE. Observations allow everyone to gain a better and more complete understanding of conditions. Thanks!

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