Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Generally stable avalanche conditions will exist today. Continue safe travel practices in avalanche terrain as large persistent slab avalanches are unlikely, but not impossible. The approaching storm system will only bring a couple inches of snow by this evening.

A Winter Storm Warning will go into effect later today until Sunday evening. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Weak snow is buried by hard slabs 2-4 feet deep. The odds of triggering a persistent slab avalanche have decreased over time, but there is still a slight chance on isolated terrain features over 35° steep. These terrain features are where the overlying slab is thin and therefore weaker making it easier to impact the buried weak layers. Thin, weak spots known as trigger points usually exist around complex, rocky, or wind-affected slopes with variable snow depths. Choosing terrain that minimizes consequences and remaining vigilant when traveling in avalanche terrain are best management practices. 

    (1/30/2025)

    This photo exemplifies complex terrain where persistent slab avalanches are more concerning. 

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

The last reported persistent slab avalanche cycle occurred around January 7th. Overtime, this process has made avalanches harder to trigger as the persistent weak layer adjusts to the current load. Stability tests are still showing unstable results despite the lack of recent avalanches. Snow varies dramatically and we can’t always predict what is happening below the snow surface. Snowpack depths vary dramatically in this zone on a regional and smaller slope scale. For this reason, we remain skeptical and have less confidence that there aren’t isolated areas where a persistent slab avalanche could be triggered. The Wyoming Range contains shallower snow depths than the Salt River Range. Areas that contain a shallower and therefore weaker snowpack is where persistent slab avalanches are more of a concern.

Today is the last day of generally stable avalanche conditions during a 5 day streak of low danger in the Salt River and Wyoming Ranges. Mountain temperatures yesterday were warm and formed crusts on solar aspects of varying hardness that froze last night. Use normal caution as these slopes could contain slippery conditions where falls are possible. Slightly colder temperatures today with cloud cover should reduce the potential for wet loose avalanches. 

Avalanche danger is expected to increase the next several days as an approaching multi-day atmospheric river impacts the forecast area with rapid loading of snow. If you plan to travel in the backcountry today, take a look at the variety of different snow surfaces out there. These snow surfaces will become the primary bonding interface for the incoming snow as seen yesterday. Many of these snow surfaces contain weak facets or crusts that will bond poorly. Expect avalanche danger to increase in the coming days. The added weight of large amounts of snow will also stress peristent weak layers increasing the likelihood of dangerous persistent slab avalanches. Dial back your slope angle and use more cautious route finding as danger avalanche conditions develop.

Please continue to send us your observations. Thank you!

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