Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Large avalanches failing on weak snow buried 1-3 feet are possible. Very steep, rocky, and wind affected terrain is where these avalanches are most likely. Obvious signs of unstable snow may not be present, so use conservative terrain choices away from terrain traps or slopes that hold higher consequences if triggered. Warm temperatures and clear skies will also create small wet loose avalanches on slopes facing the sun.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Hard slabs 2-4 feet deep lie above weak snow formed in early December. As the likelihood of triggering an avalanche on these buried weak layers decreases over the time, the possibility remains. Slopes that contain thin, sensitive areas in the slab are the most likely places to impact these layers. Thin spots usually exist around very steep, rocky, and wind blown terrain features. Avalanches are unlikely in lower elevations as most slopes were bare early season. 

    Large triggers in the form of groups, trenching a snowmobile, and falling cornices will increase the odds of impacting these layers. Use safe travel practices in order to minimize your exposure to this problem. Travel one at a time across steep terrain, avoid dangerous terrain traps, and communicate plans with your group members throughout the day.

    Areas that harbor a shallower and therefore weaker snowpack is where this problem is more likely including areas of the Wyoming Range.

     

    (1/13/2025)

    This photos shows an example of where you can trigger persistent weak layers. 

  • Loose Wet

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

    Warm temperatures and clear skies will create small wet loose avalanches. These avalanches are most likely on steep slopes directly facing the sun around rock features that warm surrounding snow surfaces. Although small, these avalanches can knock you off your feet. Seek colder, shaded terrain if you encounter the recent snow becoming wet. Roller balls and pinwheels are a clear indication of snow becoming wet and unstable.

Avalanche Discussion

The spatial distribution of snow depth varies across this forecast zone. Areas of the Salt River Range contain around 20” of more snow than areas of the Wyoming Range. This is important to acknowledge as areas with a shallower snowpack generally have a weaker snowpack. A shallower snowpack also means that the overlying slab above the persistent weak layers is thinner and easier to trigger an avalanche. Therefore, if you’re traveling around the Wyoming Range or any area with a shallower snowpack, you should use more conservative terrain choices. Persistent slab avalanches are difficult to predict. Obvious signs of instability such as recent avalanches, collapsing, or shooting cracks may not be present before triggering an avalanche. We have been seeing positive trends of increased stability in the buried weak layers during our travels last week. We are not out of the weeds quite yet though. Be patient, there will be plenty of days later in the season where stepping out into more complex terrain will be safer with less severe consequences.

Salt River Range:  Total Snow Depth- 65" (Commissary Ridge 9,330')

Wyoming Range: Total Snow Depth- 46" ( Blind Bull 9,000')

Regions covered