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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Temperatures are starting out around 10 degrees warmer than yesterday, and most stations are at their 24 hour maximum. Overnight temperatures also remained above freezing in the lower elevations. In the past 24 hours, strong westerly ridgetop winds continued, and around an inch and a half of snow water equivalent was added to the higher elevations of the Southwest Trails forecast zone. While skiers and riders could trigger slab avalanches on density breaks within the recent snowfall, the primary concern will be persistent slab avalanches. Above 7,500 feet, skiers and riders could easily trigger these small to large slabs in steep, avalanche prone terrain. Below 7,500 feet, small persistent slabs and shallow wet slides will be possible, particularly if significant rain occurs. Monitor temperatures, make conservative terrain choices and be wary of rain on snow events.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Following an extended dry period that ended on Friday, December 11th, the Southwest Trails forecast zone has received between 1.5 and 2.0 inches of snow water equivalent. The snowpack varies significantly beneath that snowfall. In the higher elevations, buried sun crusts and faceted snow provide sliding surfaces and weak layers, and backcountry travelers have the potential of triggering persistent slab avalanches up to 30 inches deep on steep, wind loaded slopes. In the lower elevations, where the recent snowfall resides above a shallow snowpack comprised of crusts, buried surface hoar and well developed facets down to the ground, human triggered slides around a foot deep will be possible in steep terrain that has not been heavily impacted by the sun.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Northwesterly flow aloft will bring another round of snowfall to the mountains tonight and through most of the day on Monday. Rain will be likely in the valleys. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the mid-20s before rising into the mid-30s in the afternoon. Westerly ridgetop winds at 20 to 30 miles per hour will back to the southwest and decrease to 15 to 20 in the afternoon.Dangerous avalanche conditions will continue, and the general avalanche hazard is expected to remain Considerable in the Teton and Southwest Trails forecast zones. The hazard could increase to Considerable on Togwotee Pass. While skiers and riders could trigger slab avalanches on density breaks within the recent snowfall, the primary concern on Monday will be persistent slab avalanches. Skiers and riders could trigger these slabs to depths of two to three feet in steep, higher elevation terrain, and natural activity will be possible. Lower down, smaller persistent slabs could also be triggered. If significant valley rain occurs, both human triggered and natural avalanche activity will be likely.The Wyoming Department of Transportation will close Teton Pass at 3 AM Monday morning for avalanche mitigation. Beginning tonight at 10 PM, parking will be prohibited between mile post 7 and 17. Please plan accordingly.

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