Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Very dangerous conditions exist as human triggered avalanches are very likely while natural or remotely triggered avalanches are possible. Fast moving avalanches 1-2 feet deep and touchy conditions are expected as new snow lies on well connected bed surfaces. Larger avalanches are also capable of breaking deeper on buried weak layers. Travel in and around avalanche terrain today is not advised.

A Winter Storming Warning is in effect from February 24, 5:00am until February 25, 5:00pm.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Unstable storm slabs 1-2 feet deep will be widespread today. Human triggered avalanches are almost certain across all aspects, with varying slab depths based on elevation and snow totals. New snow sits above crusts and small facets where avalanches will break wide and run fast/far downslope. Any slopes above 30° steep could avalanche. Natural and remotely triggered avalanches from gentle terrain above, below, or beside steep slopes are possible. 

    Wind slabs: Strong, consistent W/SW wind has formed touchy wind slabs 2-3 feet deep above ~8,000’. Wind loaded terrain will also make persistent slabs more likely on slopes that harbor buried weak layers. Travel on steep, wind loaded slopes is not advised.

    Unstable new snow was easy to trigger yesterday and  willremain reactive today. 

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–3

    Rapid loading of new snow and wind will add stress to buried weak layers formed during the month-long dry period in January. Triggering hard slab avalanches up to 3-4 feet deep will be possible and more likely on N-NE aspects above 7,500' where we have seen the most avalanche activity. Both wind-loaded and sheltered terrain should warrant caution due to the spotty distribution of the buried surface hoar and weak facets. Natural avalanches on these layers are possible during peak loading. Travel in or around avalanche terrain where these layers could be remotely triggered is not recommended. Avoid large avalanche runout zones and be aware of terrain overhead.

    (2/24/2026)

    Remotely triggered avalanche from flat terrain above a 35 degree slope in the Salt River Range. 

Avalanche Discussion

Unstable New Snow

The storm yesterday came in fiercely with rapid rates of snowfall of 1-2 inches per hour during the daytime and consistent, strong southwest/west wind. Snowfall totals range from 8-16 inches yesterday in the Salt River and Wyoming Ranges with an additional 5-11 inches possible today. Numerous avalanches were reported during the early part of the day as conditions were touchy (meaning the highest sensitivity in avalanche terminology). New snow moved easily and swiftly on any terrain over 30° steep, including both sheltered and wind-loaded slopes. This is due to the well connected new to old snow interface consisting of melt freeze crusts on the southern half and preserved stellars on the north half of the compass rose. Warming temperatures yesterday and overnight will make the snow upside-down. The new snow is very unstable. If you do decide to travel into the backcountry, watch your slope angle carefully and avoid overhead exposure to steep terrain above you. 

Deeper in the snowpack, the January drought layers are being stressed by rapid loading of heavy, dense snow. Hard slabs are actively forming above the buried weak layers of facets and surface hoar. Avalanches stepping down to these weak layers will be destructive. Stay safe out there and let’s hope this last pulse of snow comes in cleaner to create good riding conditions through the week as avalanche danger decreases.

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