Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

The incoming storm will increase avalanche danger throughout the day. Triggering avalanches up to a foot deep on steep slopes over 35° will be possible in areas that receive larger amounts of new snow and in isolated areas of exposed upper elevation terrain that form fresh wind slabs. Look for signs of unstable snow such as heavy snowfall, wind loading, and cracking snow surfaces during your travels.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect until 5:00am Friday.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Unstable new snow will develop throughout the day in areas favored by periods of heavy snowfall and due to warming temperatures. Avalanches will be capable of breaking below the new snow less than foot deep failing on crusts buried two days ago. You are most likely to find unstable snow on steep slopes over 35°. Assess how the new snow is bonding by looking for cracking snow surfaces and performing quick hand shear stability tests. Look for upside-down snow quality with denser snow above lighter snow as a sign that unstable storm slabs are forming. Snow could transition to rain by the afternoon in lower elevations, which will also destabilize snow.  

    Wind Slabs: Although wind remains relatively calm, watch for isolated wind slabs forming in upper elevations on leeward terrain today. Northeast and east wind will form slabs in atypical areas. These avalanches could be larger, around 12-18 inches deep, breaking below the new snow on crusts buried two days ago.  Active wind transport of snow is a clear indication that unstable slabs are forming.

Avalanche Discussion

We have removed the persistent slab problem from the forecast today. The last reported avalanches occurred on February 23 and 24 in the southern portion of the Salt River Range failing on weak layers buried in the middle of the snowpack. These weak layers have adjusted to the overlying slab and are unreactive in the majority of backcountry terrain. Very isolated areas in complex avalanche-prone slopes may still be capable of producing persistent slab avalanches on heavily wind affected terrain where thin trigger points could impact the buried weak layers and produce a D2-2.5 avalanche. Terrain where you can encounter these thin spots include very steep, rocky, and unsupported slopes previously wind scoured and loaded.

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