Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist in steep terrain. Signs of unstable snow are NOT obvious today. Weak layers of sugary snow 2-3' beneath the surface can be triggered from a distance or from the bottom of a slope. Riding in lower angle terrain is the best way to avoid triggering an avalanche.

Observations are  few and far between in this zone. Please let us know what you find by submitting an observation.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Weak layers of snow that developed during dry, cold November weather continue to produce significant collapses in the snowpack as well as avalanches. Over the past week or so, people have triggered avalanches every day in frequently traveled terrain with loud whoompfing and visible cracks reported on many slopes. Some of the avalanches have occurred after the first tracks have been laid down on a slope. The weak layers of snow causing all the problems generally exist at elevations above 8,500’ and on shaded aspects where early season snow lingered. This snow became the weak layer responsible for the current and persistent avalanche threat. You’ll see slopes that have tracks but have not avalanched…this is NOT proof of stable snow!

    (12/9/2023) 

    Remotely triggered avalanche from below the slope in the Snake River Range. NE 8500' 18" crown thickness

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Wind slabs that developed over the weekend remain a problem due to the stress that they have added to the persistent slab problem. Though they are not likely to be especially reactive now, they have added load to the weak layers mentioned earlier and will make those weak layers easier to trigger. The triggered slab could easily be three feet thick and bury a person. Watch out for areas where the snow feels thicker or stiffer and avoid terrain with obvious wind drifts.

    (12/9/2023)

    Good example of terrain where you'll find a wind slab. Natural D2 soft slab avalanche 9400' NE aspect

    Photo: Alex Drinkard

Avalanche Discussion

Riding conditions continue to improve though recent warm weather has kept the lower elevations with scant coverage. The weak layer of snow that plagues the shady aspects at upper elevations will continue to be a problem this week given the cold dry conditions.  Some degree of healing in this layer will require time, lots more snow or other things we'd rather not have, like significant warming or rain that reset the snowpack entirely. Patiently waiting and enjoying low angle terrain is my preferred course of action and hopefully yours.  Keeping track of your elevation and aspect at all times, especially during overcast condtions, with no sun for a reference point, is a tall order.  Riding lower angled slopes is way more doable.

Remember that complacency can creep into your thinking and the behavior of your group when riding in these conditions. Don't be suckered into thinking things are all good when you are out on a bluebird day and you aren't seeing signs of avalanches. Be mindful of the terrain you are riding. Terrain traps like flat spots or creek beds below small slopes can be dangerous.

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