Avalanche forecast

Snake River Range

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Heightened avalanche danger exists at upper elevations on very steep, wind-loaded slopes. Soft slabs up to 16 inches thick are possible, and avalanches could be large enough to injure you. Look for drifted snow and watch for shooting cracks around steep wind-loaded features like cliffs and couloirs. Watch for natural shedding on steep, sunny slopes as the day warms. Avalanches are unlikely below 9,000’.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    It remains possible to trigger soft slabs up to 16 inches thick formed this week from new snow and wind. This problem exists in isolated wind-loaded terrain at the upper elevations above 10,000 feet. These slabs are sitting on crusts and possibly near surface facets that continue to show easy, planar hand shears within the recent snow. Sunshine could increase the sensitivity of any recently formed slabs. A D2 wind slab was triggered yesterday on Teton Pass, where the same problem exists. Most avalanches involving the newest snow will be small but could still catch someone off guard in consequential terrain. It doesn’t take much moving snow to knock us off our feet or sled and send us somewhere we don’t want to be. Be on the lookout for signs of wind loading and isolated pockets of unstable snow along upper elevation ridgelines, below cliffs, and in couloirs. 

    (4/1/2025)

    Skier triggered avalanche two days ago on a wind-loaded slope that caught and carried two people in the Tetons. A similar problem exists in the Snake River Range at upper elevations on very steep wind-loaded slopes.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    The sun will make a strong appearance today, and recent snow will shed on steep sunny slopes as the day warms. This problem will affect middle and upper elevations where there is enough recent snow to shed. Lower elevations did not receive much snow this week and have already gone through a shed cycle. That said, if you find yourself underneath a very large sunny face during peak warming, look uphill - it is possible that middle-elevation loose wet slides on very steep slopes could entrain enough snow to extend down to low-elevation terrain. When you start to see roller balls and moistening snow surfaces, move to shadier, lower-angle slopes.  Many of these avalanches will originate from warming rocky outcrops on steep slopes. Minimize this overhead hazard as you exit the mountains.

    An example of terrain where wet loose avlanches are more likely. 

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

On Tuesday in the Tetons, two skiers were caught, carried, and partially buried in a large avalanche in steep, wind-loaded terrain. Thankfully, there were only minor injuries. This avalanche illustrates the nature of a large windslab in isolated, steep, upper-elevation wind-loaded terrain. Similar conditions exist in the Snake River Range, and it remains a reminder that any avalanche can be dangerous above or in consequential terrain. Don’t let your guard down in this type of terrain.

Continue to give cornices plenty of room, and remember that they break much further back towards the ridge than you might expect.

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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