As a species approaches extinction, not only does population size decline and genetic diversity decrease, but behavioral knowledge is lost. Memories of migration patterns disappear within populations. By 2015, agencies involved in the recovery of endangered Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep had reoccupied 14 subpopulations considered essential for recovery through the implementation of translocations. The extreme winters during recent years and their negative effects on subpopulations have encouraged analysis and reflection as to what patterns of resource selection are necessary for viability and persistence. We used resource selection functions to identify current and potential alpine summer ranges and low elevation winter ranges. We developed a winter severity index to compare threats associated with snow cover among winter ranges. We modeled survival relative to winter severity among subpopulations. We created a friction surface and used least-cost path analysis to evaluate current and potential migration pathways of Sierra bighorn. Current least-cost path migration distances range between 6.0 and 16.5 km. Potential least-cost path migrations that ensure connectivity of alpine summer range and low elevation winter range extend to 30.1 km. Modeling migration behavior will aid in decision-making about future management actions that facilitate recovery of Sierra bighorn.