Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering an avalanche between 1-3 feet deep will be possible in very steep terrain. Clearing skies and fresh snow may be a tempting combination to lure riders and skiers into steep terrain. The snowpack needs time to adjust to recent storms. Keep terrain choices simple and avoid very steep terrain and large open slopes today.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The region has received anywhere from 4-12 inches of new snow in the past 48 hours. Moderate winds out of a variety of directions have redistributed that snow and formed soft slabs up to a foot deep above 8,500’. These slabs may be sensitive to the weight of a rider in very steep, wind loaded terrain.

    Wind loaded slopes will be the most likely type of terrain to trigger an avalanche in today.

    Photo: Alex Drinkard

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    A rain crust that formed on Christmas exists across all aspects up to 10,000’. Weak snow grains have been identified above and below this crust. This interface is now buried 2-3 feet deep below recent snow. Avalanche activity has been limited on this interface so far, but pit tests in adjacent zones have shown the potential for reactivity on the Christmas Crust. Steep terrain should be approached with caution today given the uncertainty in triggering an avalanche at these depths.

Avalanche Discussion

Recent snow over the past week is in the 24-36” range. This snow has gradually accumulated and been moved around by light to moderate winds. This has helped to build slabs at a rate that allows for weak layers below to adjust to the new load. While this is an encouraging progression, there remains some question marks in terms of stability. If venturing into upper elevation starting zones, be on the lookout for recent wind loading and dial back terrain choices if encountering recent avalanches, shooting cracks or collapsing/whoomphing.

Please consider submitting an observation here if you are out riding/skiing today. Observations can be as simple as a photo and help us produce a better forecast. Thank you!

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