Avalanche forecast

Snake River Range

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

It is possible for the weight of a rider to trigger a 2 to 3 foot deep hard slab avalanche that fails on weak snow formed in January. These avalanches are most likely on very steep slopes, above 8,000 feet in shaded areas. Signs of instability may not be present, so be diligent in your terrain selection and avoid travelling in terrain traps that could make the consequences of an avalanche worse. 

Recent snow and wind have distributed shallow soft slabs on leeward slopes. These avalanches will be small, but could pose a threat in consequential terrain. Cracking around your skis is a sign of a wind slab, use caution around these slopes. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak snow formed in January sits 2 to 3 feet deep below a hard slab. While this weak layer has been slowly healing and becoming harder to trigger, there is still a possibility of initiating a dangerous avalanche that fails on facets and buried surface hoar. This weak snow is best preserved and distributed above 8,000 feet on shady aspects and is most concerning on slopes that are over 35° in slope angle. An avalanche failing on this layer could easily bury or injure a rider, so steering clear of steep slopes that have a persistent slab problem is advised.

    Take a look at this recent avalanche that happened in Prater Canyon, in the Salt River Range. While this isn’t in this forecast zone, the snowpack is similar and this is a good reminder it is still possible to trigger an avalanche that fails on weak snow that was formed in January.

    (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

    In the last 24 hours 2 to 4 inches of snow has fallen accompanied by moderate winds with gusts in the 40s and higher. This has formed shallow soft slabs on leeward slopes. Slabs could be 6 to 12 inches deep and sensitive to the weight of a rider. Fresh slabs often overlay a thin but slick crust, meaning they could run faster than you might expect. While these avalanches may not be very large, but they could take you off your feet and be problematic in consequential terrain. Winds are forecasted to increase again, so watch for new slab formation throughout the day.

    (3/8/2026)

    The 3/7 raincrust that is preserving the snow surface and limiting wind slab formation.

Avalanche Discussion

Recent weather has created a variety of snow surfaces out there. On March 7th there was a rain on snow event that deposited a breakable crust at all elevations and aspects in many areas. On March 9th we experienced very warm temperatures, with low elevations staying above freezing. Middle and upper elevations experienced above freezing temperatures and periods of powerful sun which continued to affect snow surfaces. So before the recent snow, we had a mixed bag of supportable and breakable crusts. On many aspects. 

So what does that mean for avalanche stability? Well it is hard to have definitive answers in this world, but warm weather does promote healing of buried weak layers in the long run. For the time being it leaves us with a slick bed surface in many areas, meaning avalanches could break a bit wider and run farther than expected.

From a riding quality perspective, these firm surfaces and strong winds can lead to variable travel conditions in wind affected terrain. Wind sheltered terrain will still be crusty underneath, but the new snow should improve quality a bit.

If you see an avalanche or something interesting in the snow, please consider submitting an observation. Thanks to those who have submitted recently.

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