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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Human triggered avalanches 1-2 feet in depth will be likely in the mid and upper elevations. Natural avalanches are possible. Avalanches will be large enough to injure or bury a person. Conservative decision making and terrain selection will be critical in avoiding involvement in avalanches today.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect until 11:00 AM Saturday. 

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    New snow amounts over the previous 48 hours in the Snake River Range are in the 10-12” range, with 1” of snow water equivalent. Temperatures have fluctuated, creating upside down conditions within the new snow. Observations yesterday in the nearby Teton Range pointed to easily triggered slabs in the 6-12” range. Slab depths will be closer to the 12-18” range today, particularly in wind loaded terrain in the upper elevations.

    Be on the lookout for recent avalanches, shooting cracks and whoompfing. These are signs that the snow is unstable and ripe for avalanching. Today is a good day to stick to lower angled terrain and be aware of terrain and groups producing avalanches from above.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    A thin layer of weak snow that was buried prior to the most recent storm, labeled the Feb 6th layer, was producing wide propagating avalanches in steep terrain 4-5 days ago. Avalanches at this interface will be more likely today as the new snow overloads the upper portion of the snowpack. This problem will be more pronounced on the north half of the compass in the middle and upper elevations. Avalanches at these depths, in the 2-4 foot range, will be difficult to escape. With this in mind, give yourself an extra wide margin around all avalanche terrain today.

    (2/11/2025)

    A skier triggered avalanche, likely failing at the Feb 6th interface. This avalache was reported on Feb 11th.

Avalanche Discussion

Today’s problems are relatively simple. Snow does not respond well to rapid change. This change has come primarily in the form of new snow, with relatively modest amounts of wind. Temperatures rose yesterday afternoon, creating “upside down” conditions. Overnight, temps have cooled back down leaving low density snow on the surface. Potential weak interfaces can be found within the new snow (10-12” down), on the Feb 6th interface (2-4 feet down) and on the Feb 4th crust below 8500 feet (1-4 feet down). All of these depths are great enough to create avalanches that can injure or bury a person. The deeper the avalanche, the greater potential for significant harm. Today is a good day to dial back terrain choices and give the snowpack time to adjust to this rapid change.

Regions covered