Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

The combination of reactive wind and storm slabs above a weak old snow interface will create dangerous avalanche conditions. Terrain exposed to the wind will be the most reactive and triggering an avalanche remotely from gentler slopes above, below, or beside you will be possible in the middle and upper elevations. Careful route finding will be a necessity today to avoid steep slopes and reduce exposure around avalanche start zones. 

Avalanches have triggered remotely during this storm cycle including: Wolf Creek, Palmer Creek.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Consistent W/SW wind mixed with a significant amount of new snow has created widespread soft wind slabs in the upper elevations and specific to exposed terrain in the middle elevations. Wind slabs depths will range 2-3 feet. The nature of these sustained winds above 20 mph has created widespread wind affect in upper elevations resulting in upside down and sensitive slabs. These slabs will be reactive today with remote triggering possible as plenty of snow is available to continually transport and alter new snow.

    Look for obvious signs of instability such as cracking, stiffened surfaces and drifts. 

    (3/25/2023)

    Obvious sign of unstable new snow with deep, large cracking on a wind loaded pocket. 

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    A significant amount of new snow now sits on an old, weak interface composed of facets and crusts created during drought conditions and buried March 20th. Slab depths will range 1-3 feet. This poor interface will make remote triggering of avalanches possible on the new snow. Wind loaded terrain will be the most reactive. 

    Deeper weak layers buried in February also pose a serious threat in areas with a poor snowpack structure including the Wyoming Range. Loading of new snow recently will stress these layers, resulting in a very large avalanche if triggered. Avoid steep slopes, start zones and large avalanche paths in the eastern portion of the zone. This layer has trended dormant in other areas of the zone including the Salt and Snake River Ranges, where this layer does not pose a threat. 

    (3/23/2023) Remotely triggered avalanche failing on the March 20th new/old snow interface. 

    Photo: Antonioli

Avalanche Discussion

March Madness

Just when we thought winter was winding down… BOOOM another serious storm cycle hits! Over the last 5 days the Greys have received nearly 3 feet of new snow. Yesterday increased winds amplified reactivity causing numerous D1-D2 avalanches  in the middle and upper elevations. Our main concern is the new snow instability, which as you’ve read sits on a weak interface. Areas with the highest reactivity are aspects that contain small near surface facets above a melt freeze crust. This interface is characteristized as a persistent slab where avalanches have been remotely triggered the last two days.

Due to the sensitivity of this weak interface, careful route finding will be the key ingredient to satisfying your powder fever. Assess the slope angles you plan to travel on and stay off steep slopes, especially above 35°. Identifying start zones and open zones where avalanches occurrences are common will help aid your terrain choice. Don’t let powder fever cloud your judgment. This winter has been a long season, so avoid becoming lulled into complacency.

Regions covered