Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Above 8,500 feet, skiers and riders have some potential of triggering large persistent slab avalanches on steep slopes where early season, faceted layers exist near the base of the snowpack. Carefully evaluate the terrain and identify areas where these faceted layers could be present. The snowpack is mostly stable below 8,500 feet, and avalanches are unlikely.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Weak, basal layers of faceted snow are still a concern, and backcountry travelers could trigger persistent slab avalanches with depths ranging from two to four feet. These layers, which formed prior to Thanksgiving, can be found on all aspects above 9,000 feet and westerly through northerly to easterly aspects between 8,000 and 9,000 feet. While avalanches are possible on steep slopes in these areas, reported or observed avalanche activity over the last two weeks has primarily occurred on northwesterly through northerly to easterly aspects between 8,500 and 10,500 feet.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Expect clear skies overnight followed by some cloud cover and a chance for light flurries during the day. Another cold night is in store as inverted temperatures develop with lows in the mountains near zero and around -10 in the valleys. During the day, the higher elevations will climb to near 10 degrees as the valleys break into the low teens. Ridgetop winds will back to the west at 10 to 20 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to remain Moderate above 8,000 feet. There, skiers and riders have some potential of triggering large persistent slab avalanches in steep terrain where early season, faceted layers exist near the base of the snowpack. These areas generally include all aspects above 9,000 feet and westerly through northerly to easterly aspects between 8,000 and 9,000 feet. The snowpack is mostly stable below 8,000 feet, and the general avalanche hazard is expected to be Low.

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