Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago.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 1-2 feet thick on very steep wind loaded slopes above 8500 feet is possible. Look for signs of wind loading and recent avalanches. Buried weak layers remain an unlikely threat but will cause large avalanches if triggered. Evaluate steep and shady slopes carefully.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Triggering a wind slab avalanche 1-2 feet deep is possible at upper elevations. This problem could extend into middle elevations with enough exposure to the wind. Slabs can be found on multiple aspects from shifting winds. The likelihood will continue to decrease as we get further from the last loading event. Continue to pay attention to very steep slopes below ridges, rocky outcrops, cliffs and cross loaded gullies.

    (12/28/2025)

    A recent skier triggered wind slab. Loaded alpine terrain like this is a great place to trigger a wind slab today.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–3

    Weak layers exist in the snowpack throughout much of the forecast area. It is unlikely that you will impact these layers and cause an avalanche but it cannot be ruled out. If triggered, avalanches will be 2-5 feet thick and large enough to bury you and your sled. Slopes that face north through east at middle and upper elevations are the most concerning. Triggering is more likely if you find a thin spot in the snowpack or have a large enough trigger - like a snowmobile. Give yourself a margin around steep, northerly slopes.

    This avalanche occured 3 days ago in the Tetons. While not in the Slat/Wyoming range, it illustrates the nature of the persistenet slab problem. These avalanches can be very large and destructive.

    The crown was 4-5 feet deep and debris was up to 8 feet deep.

    NE facing at 8,900'

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

As you ride today, dig down into the snowpack and look for weak layers. Weak snow from November sitting at the bottom of the snowpack remains a concern  above 8500’ on multiple aspects. A very large and destructive avalanche occurred in the Tetons 3 days ago where there is a similar snowpack. Above that basal weak layer sits a hard crust buried in mid December. Avalanches have been reported involving that crust within the last 10 days. These weak layers take time to adjust to the weight of the snowpack. There will likely NOT be any signs of instability until it is too late and you are out on a slab and trigger an avalanche. The consequences of this type of problem are high. Without any clues to indicate weak snow, we manage this problem by avoiding steep shady slopes while the snowpack adjusts.

If you are able to get out in the Salt or Wyoming Ranges, please share your observations here. Thanks!

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