Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Triggering an avalanche up to a foot in depth is possible in steep, wind loaded terrain in the upper elevations today. In addition, triggering a deeper avalanche that fails on buried weak layers 2-4 feet deep remains possible. Be prepared to move to low angle terrain if you observe instability in the new snow such as cracking. Very steep, wind affected terrain with rocks or cliffs should be avoided given the higher likelihood of triggering a large avalanche in these locations.

Yesterday, one skier died and another was injured in an avalanche that occurred near Togwotee Pass. The avalanche center staff sends our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and rescuers involved in this tragic event.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2.5

    Weak snow that formed in early December is now buried 2-4 feet deep in most locations. The likelihood of triggering an avalanche involving these weak layers is slowly decreasing, yet remains possible today in terrain above 30°. North facing slopes are most suspect, but other aspects cannot be ruled out. Use extra caution around rocky, wind affected, and unsupported slopes as they are the places where a human is most likely to impact the weak layers buried below. Riders still have the potential to trigger one of these avalanches from below or a distance. Tracks on a slope do not indicate stability with this problem.

    It is important to increase your margin of safety given the uncertainty and high consequences associated with triggering a persistent slab avalanche. Traveling one at a time, stopping in islands of safety, and avoiding steep gullies or cliffs are all ways to increase your margins while traveling in avalanche terrain. However, riding terrain that is under 30° with no significant overhead hazard remains the best way to avoid this problem.

    It has been 5 days since the last known avalanche failed on this layer in the neighboring Snake River Zone.

     

    A recent large avalanche in the Snake River Range that caught two riders and failed on buried weak layers. This photo is a good example of "very steep, rocky, and wind affected terrain.” 

    (12/31/2024)

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Up to 9 inches of snow fell yesterday in favored locations such as the Salt River Range. Light to moderate winds out of the west/northwest have redistributed this snow and formed soft slabs around a foot deep in exposed terrain at the upper elevations that may be sensitive to the weight of a rider. Additional snow and wind expected today could increase the depth and sensitivity of recently formed wind slabs. Be on the lookout for signs of wind loading including blowing snow and drifts. Cracking indicates unstable snow. Move to sheltered, low angle terrain if these conditions are observed.

    Wind slabs will be less likely in areas that received little snow yesterday such as portions of the Wyoming Range.

Avalanche Discussion

Snow totals from yesterday's storm varied significantly across the zone. The Salt Rivers were the winner with almost 10 inches of new snow. The Wyoming Range received significantly less snow. New wind slabs will be most sensitive in locations that were favored by snowfall yesterday. It will be important to assess how much snow has fallen where you are riding today and if a newly formed slab is present. Snow totals do not look impressive today, but keep in mind that additional snow could increase the depth and sensitivity of existing slabs in wind loaded areas.

The persistent slab problem is less likely, but much higher consequence. Poor snowpack structure exists across the zone and slab depths above the weak snow vary significantly. In some areas it will be easy for a rider to impact the buried weak layers and in others it will be much more difficult. Obvious signs of instability may not be present if a deep avalanche is triggered. Persistent slab problems take time to heal. For the time being, patience and conservative decision making are required in the backcountry.

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