Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Triggering an avalanche on steep wind-affected slopes at upper elevations is possible today. Riders could also trigger a large avalanche that fails on weak snow buried near the ground.  The danger is highest in steep, rocky, and exposed terrain. Evaluate this terrain carefully, watch for cracking in recent snow, and steer clear of terrain traps.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Soft wind slabs up to a foot deep are possible at upper elevations and on all aspects. While small, these slabs could knock you off your feet in consequential terrain. Watch for recently drifted snow, dense pillows, and other signs of wind-affected snow. Evaluate steep exposed terrain carefully, especially around ridges and cross-loaded terrain features. Shooting cracks and hollow-sounding snow are sure signs of this problem.

    (3/14/2024)

    Cracking snow surfaces, a sign of instability and wind loaded terrain. 

    Photo: Alex Drinkard

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak snow that formed in December persists at the base of the snowpack across the entire Greys River forecast zone. However, the thickness of the hard slabs that overlay this weak snow varies based on geographic location. In the middle and upper elevations of the Salt, Snake River, and deeper portions of the Wyoming Range, these weak layers are buried 3-5+ feet deep making it unlikely for a human to impact them. In shallow parts of the forecast zone, such as the far eastern side of the Wyoming Range, these slabs are only 2-3 feet thick making it possible for humans to trigger avalanches on the buried weak layers. Shallow, rocky, and unsupported terrain on the north half of the compass is where this problem has been most active. Keep in mind that a large trigger such as a cornice fall could trigger one of these very large avalanches, even in areas where the snowpack is deep.

    Careful snowpack evaluation is required in the Greys River zone due to variable snow depths. Probing or digging can provide useful information about the depth of the weak layers preserved at the bottom of the snowpack. This evaluation is critical if you are riding in a shallow part of the zone. A total snow depth of less than 6 feet (200cm) is a red flag.

    The last reported human-triggered avalanche involving deeply buried weak layers occurred on March 9th on the far eastern side of the Wyoming Range.

    (3/9/2024)

    The last reported human triggered persistent slab avalanche occurred on the far eastern side of the Wyoming Range.

Avalanche Discussion

If you were at the hill climb championships at Snow King this weekend, you might be extra motivated to go out today in search of the combination that dreams are made of: high-octane pumping through a wide-open throttle charging up steep powdery slopes. I'll be wearing my Pit Vipers and might even start my playlist with some Eye of the Tiger. After all, training for next year's competition starts today. However, as you ride, continue to identify terrain that warrants concern including steep wind-affected slopes and thin areas of the snowpack on northerly aspects where your chances of triggering an avalanche are elevated. If you find yourself in avalanche terrain where concerning slopes are in play, consider the consequence of getting caught and carried. Watch out for terrain traps.

With a return to winter temperatures today, the avalanche hazard has dropped. While wet avalanche activity is unlikely,  keep an eye on low and middle-elevation slopes that face south if the sun remains out this morning before clouds increase. Even a few hours of sun this time of year can be enough to make the surface moist and increase the chances of small wet loose avalanches on steep slopes.

Regions covered