Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

After a warm summer, fall has brought fairly typical temperatures but little lasting snow so far across the Bridger-Teton forecast area. A few early storms have pasted a frozen mix on the high peaks, but so far that snow has mostly melted off except in high, shady terrain. That doesn't mean we're idle. Avalanche forecasters are on the job, watching the weather closely and recording snow and weather data summaries every day. We're also busy getting ready for the season by maintaining weather stations, training, and working on our observation and forecasting systems.

We'll start issuing daily avalanche forecasts once enough snow has accumulated to create widespread avalanche concern, typically sometime in November or early December. Until then, we'll post general bulletins as conditions warrant.

Early-season reminder: 

Conditions in the mountains can change quickly this time of year. Snow that falls on shaded, high-elevation slopes can linger after lower terrain melts out, and even a small avalanche can be dangerous when thin coverage hides rocks, stumps, and other obstacles. Icy or snow-covered trails and approaches can also make a fall much more serious. For the most current mountain travel information in Grand Teton National Park, check with the Jenny Lake Climbing Rangers. When significant snow accumulates, carefully assess even small slopes you plan to travel on and avoid them unless you are carrying rescue gear, and travelling with a partner.

Learning resources:

Check out the season premiere episode of The Fine Line Podcast from the Backcountry Zero Project featuring an open and honest discussion of an avalanche accident in the Broken Thumb Couloir in Grand Teton National Park.  You can find it here on Spotify.

Save the date:

Wyoming Snow and Avalanche Workshop (WYSAW): November 13–14, 2026, at the Center for the Arts in downtown Jackson. Registration details are coming soon.

If you get into the mountains to hike or climb, please share your observations and photos. They help everyone track how the snowpack develops in the early season.