Avalanche forecast

Snake River Range

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Triggering an avalanche up to a foot in depth is possible in very steep, wind loaded terrain at the upper elevations today. Be on the lookout for pockets of unstable wind drifted snow and move to low angle terrain if you observe cracking or collapses. Large avalanches involving weak layers buried 2-4 feet deep are unlikely.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Yesterday morning, moderate to strong winds out of the northeast redistributed several inches of new snow and formed isolated soft slabs less than a foot deep that could still be sensitive to the weight of a rider in very steep (>35°), upper elevation terrain. Light winds are expected today and additional loading is not anticipated. Given the unusual wind direction, be on the lookout for pockets of unstable wind drifted snow in places that are not usually loaded.

    Watch for signs of wind loading such as rounded, pillowed, or stiff snow surfaces. Shooting cracks are an indicator that the snow is unstable. Triggering a small wind slab has the potential to knock you off your feet or machine and can have serious consequences above cliffs or other terrain traps.

    (1/22/2025)

    Cracking in unstable wind drifted snow.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak layers of snow are buried 2-4 feet deep in the Snake River range. Triggering a large hard slab avalanche at these depths is unlikely. Instability is most likely to be found in very steep, north facing terrain where the snowpack is thin and therefore weakest. Weak spots (trigger points) include wind-scoured areas, hanging snowfields above cliffs, and rocky terrain. Larger triggers such as groups, snowmobiles, or falling cornices, will increase the odds of impacting these weak layers. Choosing terrain that minimizes consequences and remaining vigilant if traveling in complex avalanche terrain continues to be a good call.

    (1/16/2025)

    An example of complex terrain in the Snake. Very steep, wind affected slopes where trigger points for a hard slab avalanche could be close to the surface.

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Around 4” of low density snow fell in the upper elevations of the Snake on Friday (1/24). Easterly winds have loaded slopes in unusual places. Avalanche activity yesterday was limited and slides were small. Still, be on the lookout for pockets of wind slab along ridgelines and cross loaded gullies. This snow is sitting on a variety of weak surfaces including crusts, facets, and old wind slabs and may move easier than expected.

Weak layers that formed in early December are buried 2-4 feet deep in the Snake and are effectively dormant in most locations. The last avalanche involving these layers was reported nearly three weeks ago. Significant loading in the future could reactivate these layers and will be monitored with the return of stormy weather.

Please continue to send us your observations. Thank you!

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