Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

New surface slabs are forming on hard snow surfaces at the upper elevations. Riders and skiers have the potential to trigger these new instabilities as well as larger avalanches involving older weak snow layers in very steep terrain. Look for and stay clear of areas with obvious signs of wind loading. Also avoid very steep terrain near cliffs or rocky areas above 7500 feet where the persistent slab problem is more likely to be active. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    An extended dry period in December formed a layer of weak snow that can be found on all aspects above 7500 feet.  The chance continues for recreationalists to trigger hard slab avalanches with depths of 2 to 4 feet involving this buried layer. Although the likelihood of triggering a slide has decreased,  very steep terrain remains suspect and careful snowpack evaluation is recommended. 

    (1/31/2024)

    Hard slab avalanche on SW aspect at 9400' near Sheep Creek Peak

    Photo: Alex Drinkard

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow is loading on leeward starting zones.  The underlying surfaces are hard and slick in most areas but can be faceted in colder, shaded terrain. Although small in size this morning, these slabs will increase in both size and sensitivity today as snow continues to fall. By nightfall, soft slab depths could reach to as much as a foot in upper elevation starting zones prone to wind loading. 

Avalanche Discussion

Now that temperatures have cooled, the slabs that lie over the weak layer that was buried a month ago will be less likely to initiate.  That being said, the weak layer is well preserved and dangerous hard slab avalanches could still occur if a particular weak or thin spot on a very steep slope is impacted. Tracks offer no indication of stability in this scenario.   For those venturing into steeper terrain, taking the time to dig down to the weak layer and evaluating it is recommended on each slope as there is starting to be more variability in the snowpack. Avalanches at the lower elevations are relatively unlikely except for in isolated areas in very steep north facing terrain. 

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