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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago.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

Persistent deep slab avalanches remain a concern. Backcountry travelers could trigger these large to very large slabs on a variety of aspects above 7,500 feet. In very steep, wind loaded terrain above 7,500 feet, skiers and riders still have some potential of triggering small to large wind slabs. Although temperatures are starting out cold, theses slabs could become more susceptible to failure in the afternoon if extended periods of sunshine occur. Evaluate the snowpack carefully, monitor the effect of the sun, and be willing to alter your travel plans if conditions warrant. The snowpack below 7,500 feet has gone through several melt-freeze cycles, and significant avalanche activity is unlikely.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    Areas of poor snowpack structure exist, and the weight of a single person may still be sufficient to trigger a deep persistent slab avalanche. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles, the release of a wind slab or a cornice failure, are more likely than an individual skier to trigger one of these deadly avalanches. Slab depths could vary from three to six feet. Don’t let previous tracks fool you into thinking a slope is safe; they are not an indication of stability.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Around 18 inches of snow has accumulated since the middle of the week. Southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds increased yesterday and stiffened the recently formed wind slabs. These slabs reside above sun crusts, surface hoar and dense, settled snow. Backcountry travelers venturing onto very steep, avalanche prone slopes above 7,500 feet could trigger these slabs with depths ranging from one to two feet.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Expect mostly dry conditions through Sunday. Southwesterly flow aloft will bring a mix of sunshine and cloud cover to the area during the day. Overnight lows in the mountains will drop back into the single digits before climbing into the mid-20s in the afternoon. Valley lows will also be in the single digits, followed by near freezing temperatures in the afternoon. Southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds will range from 5 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to remain Moderate above 7,500 feet on Sunday. Skiers and riders will still have the potential of triggering wind slabs up to two feet deep in steep, wind loaded terrain. Persistent deep slab avalanches remain a threat in the Togwotee Pass and Southwest Trails forecast zones. Snowmobilers are more likely than skiers to impact the weak layers of faceted snow that are buried three to six feet deep. Previous tracks are not an indication of stability for persistent deep slabs. The snowpack below 7,500 feet has gone through several melt-freeze cycles, and avalanche activity will be unlikely on Sunday down low.

Regions covered