Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions will exist today. Rapid loading with continuous snowfall and strong winds will stress a historically weak snowpack making natural and human triggered avalanches likely. Travel in or below avalanche terrain is not recommended. 

 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Historically dry conditions in December formed a widespread weak layer across all elevations and most aspects that is now buried 1-2.5 feet below the snow surface. This zone has received 35” of snow since Jan 4th. This accumulated snow with increasing strong W wind last night/today will create ideal conditions for natural and very sensitive human triggered avalanches. These avalanches can be triggered remotely from gentle terrain above, below, or to the side of steep slopes. The unpredictable nature of these avalanches can catch you off guard, as these avalanches could even fail on treed slopes or occur naturally on steep terrain above you. Simply put, travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. If you are venturing out, make sure you are familiar with the area to identify runout zones of avalanche large paths and stay in simple, flat terrain. 

    Deeper weak layers formed in November are buried around 3 feet above hard slabs. The potential for avalanches triggered on the weak layer mentioned above could step down to these deeper layers causing an even larger, destructive avalanche.

    (1/11/2024)

    Large natural avalanche yesterday near Smiths Fork that propagated significantly across the slope. 

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Westerly winds drastically increased last night and will continue today 20-30 mph with gusts of 40-50 mph. Continued snowfall combined with these strong W winds will form fresh, soft slabs on leeward and cross loaded terrain. Areas where these wind slabs exist will also increase the likelihood of triggering a larger persistent slab. 

Avalanche Discussion

A Windy Recipe

Over the last two days we have seen increased avalanche activity on the Jan 4th weak layer as the slab above this weak layer becomes more firm and cohesive. Increased wind and continued snowfall today will further harden this slab setting up a deadly recipe for avalanches. Weak snow above firm snow. Continued snowfall and wind throughout the day will continue to stress those buried weak layers. Avalanches today will be large and destructive. Any terrain above 30° should be avoided. Meadow skipping on flat terrain with deep powder snowmobiling is a good option. We have all been waiting for good snow conditions. Don't let the desire to ride powder inhibit your decision making today. High danger ratings should be respected.

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