Avalanche forecast

Snake River Range

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
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. The danger is greatest around cliffs and steep wind-loaded features like couloirs. Give cornices a wide buffer. Avalanches are unlikely below 9,000’.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The upper elevations of the Snake Rivers received 7-8 inches of snow in the past 48 hours. Moderate winds have shifted from the south to west to northwest and redistributed this snow on various aspects. Soft slabs up to 16 inches thick have formed on isolated pieces of wind-loaded terrain at the upper elevations. Skiers and riders have the potential to trigger a small avalanche if venturing into very steep terrain above 10,000’. Most avalanches involving the newest snow will be small but could still catch someone off guard in consequential terrain. Be on the lookout for signs of wind loading and isolated pockets of unstable snow along upper elevation ridgelines, below cliffs, and in couloirs.

Avalanche Discussion

In the last 48 hours, 7-8 inches of snow has fallen at upper elevations in the Salt and Wyoming ranges. This is several inches less than what has fallen in the Tetons in the same time period. Yesterday in the Tetons, four skiers were caught and carried in a large avalanche in steep, wind-loaded terrain. While conditions are slightly different in the Snake River Range due to less new snow, this is an important reminder that any avalanche can be dangerous above or in consequential terrain.  Another 1-3 inches of snow could fall today, yet this should do little to increase the overall avalanche danger. Wet avalanche problems are not likely to be a concern today, given the relatively cold and mostly cloudy conditions that are forecasted. Still, it is April, and any periods of prolonged sun could destabilize snow surfaces. 

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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