Lawinenlagebericht

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Fri
Hochgebirge
3 · Erheblich
Waldgrenze
3 · Erheblich
Unterhalb
2 · Mässig
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 3 years ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Buried weak layers have not adjusted to the current snowpack as large avalanches are still being triggered by riders. These avalanches have occurred primarly in the middle elevations on N and E aspects which is where the most unstable snow exists. Stick to conservative terrain above 8000’ while steep slopes are still dangerous. 

 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Likely
    Größe
    2–3

    Weak layers formed in December below 2-4 feet deep hard slabs are still producing large and wide human triggered avalanches. Two avalanches resulting in full burials have occurred in the last 5 days (Willow Creek, Palmer Creek). Both avalanches occurred in the middle elevations on N and E aspects where previous wind loading and preserved weak snow is most reactive. Don't get caught off guard as recent avalanches have occurred on atypical terrain such as treed slopes as well as remotely triggered from gentle terrain above, below, or to the side of steep slopes. This layer is slowly trending less reactive but we are not out of the woods yet. Triggering an avalanche on steeper slopes above 35° will still be likely today in the middle and upper elevations across all aspects.

     

     

    (1/22/2024)

    Recent avalanche incident in the Salt River Range that depicts the current danger on steep slopes. 

    Photo: Braden Dickey

Avalanche Discussion

It’s called a persistent weak layer because it persists and causes problems for a long time. The unfortunate circumstance is that avalanches are still being triggered. The prolonged dry period in December has created an atypical snowpack that is not common to a lot of folks around here. People are surprised by these unstable conditions. The best way to mitigate this problem is to assess the snowpack very thoroughly where you are riding or stay off steep terrain. Chances of triggering an avalanche become less each day but the large size and consequence remains the same. Areas to avoid include those very steep slopes, wind affected terrain, and terrain traps such as gullies and large creeks. Continue to ride and enjoy the mountains on less consequential terrain while conditions slowly improve. 

As you may have noticed, we have removed the Deep Persistent Slab problem. These layers near the base of the snowpack have trended dormant and we haven’t seen any avalanches on these layers after significant loading events and warming temperatures. 

Luckily the avalanche burials listed above were not fatal. Reporting these events has been very helpful for our forecast team and community. Thank you to those who reported. 

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