Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist above 7,500 feet. Backcountry travelers could easily trigger large to very large wind slabs in steep, wind loaded terrain. With the load that the recent storm cycle added to the snowpack, very large persistent slab avalanches remain a concern. While a skier or rider could trigger these deadly slabs, the more likely scenario will be for them to step down from the release of a wind slab. Some potential remains for natural avalanche activity. Be cognizant of the terrain above you; both wind slab and persistent slab avalanches have the potential to travel long distances into low elevation terrain. Expert route-finding skills and conservative terrain choices will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–3

    The Southwest Trails have received between 2 1/2 and 4 feet of new snow since early Wednesday morning. Southwesterly to northwesterly winds with hourly averages between 20 and 40 miles per hour accompanied this snowfall. This scenario has resulted in heavily loaded leeward slopes, stiff wind slabs and upside-down conditions. On a variety of aspects above 7,500 feet, skiers and riders are likely to trigger these slabs with depths ranging from 2 to 4 feet. Natural activity could also occur. Below 7,500 feet, pockets of wind slab between 1 and 3 feet deep could be human triggered on steep, wind-loaded slopes.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    3

    Since early Wednesday morning, between 2 and 3.25 inches of snow water equivalent has been added to persistent weak layers above 7,500 feet. Avalanche activity associated with these weak layers are likely to range in depth from 3 to 6 feet, and they could be human triggered or step down from the release of a wind slab. Natural activity also remains possible. Below 7,500 feet, backcountry travelers could trigger persistent slabs between 2 and 4 feet deep.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The northwesterly jet stream will continue to reside over the region. After a few lingering showers overnight, expect mostly cloudy skies during the day on Monday. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the lower single digits before rising to near 10 degrees in the afternoon. Southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds will range from 20 to 35 miles per hour.Avalanche conditions remain dangerous, and the general avalanche hazard is expected to be Considerable on Monday. In the mountains, skiers and riders could easily trigger large to very large wind slabs in steep, wind loaded terrain. With the load that the recent storm cycle added to the snowpack, very large persistent slab avalanches remain a concern. While a skier or rider could trigger these deadly slabs, the more likely scenario will be for them to step down from the release of a wind slab. Both types of avalanches have the potential to travel long distances into low elevation terrain. Expert route-finding skills and conservative terrain choices will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.

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