Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

It remains possible to trigger an avalanche 1 to 2 feet thick. Avalanches could break on the deeper side of that range in areas loaded by the wind. Evaluate steep slopes carefully and keep in mind you may not see cracking or collapsing before triggering an avalanche. If you are unsure, seek out sheltered lower-angle terrain where you will also find the best riding.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Triggering a large avalanche up to 2 feet thick is possible where weak layers were buried on 2/6. The current slab sits on a variety of weak surfaces, including crusts/facets on solar aspects and facets on northerly aspects. The most dangerous avalanches could occur on steep rocky slopes and areas where wind-deposited snow formed slabs from the last storm.  Dig down and investigate layers in the top 3 feet of the snowpack and you'll find this weak layer though it may not show propagation in many pits.  Continue to travel safely by going one at a time around steep avalanche terrain and spacing out around terrain traps like creek beds and gullies.

    (2/11/2025)

    This older large avalanche occurred on weaker snow deeper in the snowpack at upper elevations near Gunsight Pass. 

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Since the beginning of January, snowpacks across the state have nearly doubled.  Snowfall on older, weak snow from January (~3-5 deep) has not been a concern, whereas the more recent interface (2/6) consisting of crusts/facets in the top portion of the snowpack (1-3 feet deep) are the primary concern. While the snowpack continues to adjust to the most recent loading, continue to evaluate steep slopes carefully and identify where wind deposited from the last storms. Continue to look for signs including large collapses. However, we will see fewer of these clues going forward - chances are you will trigger an avalanche without seeing any signs beforehand.

With a winter storm arriving today and lasting through the weekend, remember that more weight on the snowpack will require further adjustment. This forecast zone could see up to 7 inches by 8 pm, and the avalanche danger will continue to rise through the weekend. If you happen to be out late this evening, look for cracking and collapsing in new wind-drifted snow and remember that even small avalanches can knock you off your feet.

If you are uncertain whether a steep slope could avalanche and don’t want to dig to investigate weak layers, consider the consequences if you are on that slope, and it avalanches - I am certain that there are few good outcomes getting caught in a large avalanche or even a small avalanche in a terrain trap.

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