Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Conditions are dangerous, especially above an elevation of 7,500 feet where the hazard rating is considerable. Up there, humans could trigger large slab avalanches on steep avalanche prone slopes. These dangerous avalanches may be un-survivable. Today's new snow and winds will be forming new wind slabs and will be adding to the load on buried weak layers, This will increase the likelihood for these slides to be triggered by riders or skiers. Natural avalanche activity is possible. Below that elevation where the hazard rating is moderate slab avalanches are likely to be smaller and more limited in distribution. Cautious route-finding and conservative terrain selections are advised for safe travel in the mountains today. Backcountry travelers should monitor conditions and adjust travel plans accordingly.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–3

    The most recent storm cycle and an extended period of strong west-southwest winds have formed slabs over persistent weak layers. These dangerous slabs could be easily triggered by the weight of a single person, especially in active avalanche paths. With this type of avalanche problem previous tracks on a suspect slope should not be interpreted as a sign of stability. These slabs could be 2 to 5 feet deep.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    West winds will be forming new wind slabs on leeward aspects. These slabs could build to depths of 2 feet and are likely to be easily triggered in steep wind-loaded avalanche starting zones.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Moisture is moving in from the Pacific in a strong northwest flow. Conditions are becoming favorable for periods of heavy mountain snowfall. Snowfall rates may reach an inch per hour from mid-evening until sunrise. Less intense snowfall will continue through the day. This snowfall will be accompanied by westerly ridge top winds at 20 to 30 with gusts to 40 miles per hour. Temperatures will be in the teens in the mountains and in the 20’s at the lower elevations. The new snow and wind will increase the hazard and create dangerous avalanche conditions. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be considerable and may rise to high in the most impacted areas. New soft wind slabs formed by westerly winds are likely to be easily triggered by humans and may release naturally in steep wind-loaded avalanche starting zones. These new slabs are expected to build to depths of two feet. In the Togwotee Pass and Greys River areas and in isolated areas in the Teton forecast areas persistent weak layers are also a concern. Large slab avalanches could occur on these problem layers are likely to be destructive could be 2 to 5 feet deep. Monitor conditions for increasing hazard, assess the snowpack carefully and make route and terrain selection choices that are appropriate for these dangerous conditions.

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