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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Strong westerly to southwesterly ridgetop winds, along with ample snow available for transport, continue to load leeward aspects along upper elevation ridgelines. In steep, wind-loaded terrain that held snow from October, backcountry travelers could trigger large, dense slab avalanches failing on the old snow surfaces. The hazard will decrease with a drop in elevation as snow cover from October dissipates and the effect of the wind diminishes. Skiers and riders might still be able to trigger a smaller slab failing on density breaks within the recent snowfall. Evaluate the snowpack carefully and avoid slopes with signs of wind loading. Avalanches are unlikely below 8,000 feet where little snowfall has accumulated.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Since Wednesday evening, the Southwest Trails area has received up to 30 inches of new snow containing over two and a half inches of snow water equivalent. Strong westerly to southwesterly ridgetop winds have accompanied this snowfall forming dense wind slabs in leeward terrain. In areas where old snow surfaces are present, backcountry travelers could trigger these slabs to depths up to three feet. These old snow surfaces are present on northeasterly through northwesterly aspects above 9,000 feet and dip down to 8,000 feet on north facing slopes.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Zonal flow aloft bringing moist, unstable air to the region will increase the chance for light to moderate snowfall Sunday night and Monday with the Tetons being most favored. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low teens before rising into the upper teens during the day. Westerly ridgetop winds will range from 20 to 30 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to remain CONSIDERABLE in the Tetons. Since Wednesday evening, less snow has accumulated in the Togwotee Pass and Southwest Trails forecast zones, and the hazard is expected to be MODERATE. The primary avalanche concern will be recently developed dense slabs failing on old snow surfaces from October. These old snow surfaces increase in extent from sunlit to shaded aspects above 9,000 feet, and dip down to 8,000 feet on north facing slopes. These slabs could exceed four feet in depth in the Tetons and be up to three feet deep in the other two forecast zones. Skiers and riders might still be able to trigger a smaller slab failing on density breaks within the recent snowfall. Evaluate the snowpack carefully and avoid slopes with obvious signs of wind loading.

Regions covered