Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Consistent winds over the last several days have formed firm slabs in the upper elevations where you are most likely to find unstable conditions. Look for terrain features where wind has deposited snow into drifts or pillows with stiffened surfaces. Although less likely, weak layers buried 2-3 feet deep in the snowpack still pose a threat and should be assessed before traveling in complex terrain. Remember to monitor changing conditions as temperatures increase throughout the day.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recent snow from Feb 8th has been accompanied by moderate to strong primarily S/SW winds over the last several days creating firm, cohesive slabs less than 2 feet deep. These slabs will be confined to the upper elevations mainly on easterly aspects in areas with obvious wind effect in the form of scoured and deposited snow. Look for these slabs on exposed ridgelines and confined spaces such as couloirs.

    Monitor rapidly changing conditions as rising temperature throughout the day increases the overall reactivity of the snowpack. Look for obvious signs of instability such as wet surfaces, rollers, and natural point triggers. 

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Buried weak layers continue to haunt our snowpack. Avalanche activity on these layers has decreased over time, but the poor structure still exists with propagating test results in snow pits. The primary concern is the Jan 26th layer buried 2-3 feet deep, which varies across aspects and elevations as crusts and/or weak, sugary facets. This low probability, high consequence type of avalanche problem is difficult to manage. Dig down and identify these weak layers before committing to complex and consequential terrain. Avalanches are still possible, as evident in the skier triggered avalanche two days ago south of the forecast zoneon buried surface hoar in a sheltered ENE aspect in the Upper Hobacks. 

    Deep Persistent Slab: In addition to persistent slab problem type, a  deeper weak layer persists in middle and upper elevations on southeast through west aspects. These layers appear to be dormant but could awaken with a big storm or large load, such as another avalanche. The resulting avalanche could be up to five feet thick and carry severe consequences. 

    This avalanche was triggered by the fifth skier on the 35 degree, ENE facing slope on a layer of buried surface 40-60 cm down from the surface. The skier was not caught.

Avalanche Discussion

As daylight hours grow longer, good weather presses on, and avalanche danger decreases, it's important to still think about what happens when things go wrong in the backcountry. Yesterday we helped out another snowmobile group who were dealing with a non-avalanche related injury. We’d like to applaud this group for being fully prepared. Situations like this are a good reminder that we all need to be prepared for these unfortunate (but very real) scenarios. It’s important to carry the proper medical gear, repair equipment, spare warm clothing, and communication devices to manage this type of uncertainty in the backcountry. Expect the unexpected. Talk about those “what if” scenarios with your partner or group during your planning process. And remember to continually reevaluate these scenarios as you travel further and further from those trailheads. 

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