Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Consistent snowfall for many days has resulted in conditions where backcountry skiers and riders have the potential to easily trigger  slab and loose snow avalanches in very steep terrain at all elevations. A chance also continues for deeper weak snow layers to be involved that were formed during dry weather.  At upper elevations, watch for areas that appear wind loaded,  and avoid all unsupported slopes where small avalanches can have dire consequences. At lower elevations, any evidence of collapse or "whoomphing" is strong indication that the snowpack is unstable and steep terrain in those areas is not safe for travel.  The possibility for triggering avalanches is greatest in the Wyoming Range or in any area where snow depths are lower and the snowpack is weaker.  

There was a rider triggered avalanche (and subsequent partial burial) on Hoback Peak on March 2- Hoback Peak Avalanche Incident

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Varying winds, most recently from the south, have formed slabs that will be reactive to human triggering today.  Wind direction is to veer to the west today. This will redistribute some of the fresh suface snow and could change the location and increase the sensitivity of this hazard. If triggered, these slabs will be soft and could have depths from 6 to 30 inches. 

    Other new snow hazards such as loose snow sluffing and storm slabs could also occur today on very steep slopes, particularly as elevation decreases and terrain is less effected by ridgeline winds. 

     

     

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Older weak layers lie within the snowpack. The most notable is weak snow that formed during a mostly dry period in early February that was buried on February 18th.  This persistent problem can involve crusts at higher elevations and thick faceted snow layers at lower elevations that formed during consistent cold temperatures. 

    This weak interface from mid February can be identified by having a look into the snowpack and performing stability tests.  Obvious sings such as sensing the snowpack collapse, particularly at the mid and lower elevation can also indicate this instability.  Watch for collapse, shooting cracks, and recent avalnche activity and avoid similar slopes.

    The January 26th layer is thought to be dormant at this time but could be a player in isolated areas of if significant future storms impact the area. 

     

Avalanche Discussion

It has snowed consistently for 7 days. Amounts vary by locations but storm totals have reached over 40 inches in areas such as Commisary Ridge. Generally, temperatures have been cold and winds have been moderate. Make no mistake that human triggered avalanches are likely in some avalanche terrain and  possible on many slopes. Remember that even at elevations or areas where the rating is Moderate, that it is NOT A GO light to travel anywhere you want. Be thoughtful and approach all terrain wondering if this is one of the places that can slide. The amount of new snow alone warrants conservative terrain choices and avoiding very steep areas with terrain traps and exposure. 

Regions covered