Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Recent avalanche activity means avalanches are likely. Yesterday, there was an observation of a very large avalanche on Ferry Peak. In the Grey’s River forecast area, the snowpack is especially dangerous with the poor structure of weak faceted snow below a thick slab. It is likely for a person to trigger a large to very avalanche that will result in severe or deadly consequences. Sunshine warming solar slopes and strong ridgetop winds will increase the potential for avalanches and natural avalanches are possible. Cautious route-finding and avoiding being on or below steep avalanche terrain are essential for those who want to return home safely.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    Very large slab persistent deep slab avalanches are likely to be triggered by riders or skiers who venture onto steep slopes. Natural releases are possible. These dangerous slab avalanches could be 4 to 8 feet deep above an elevation of 7, 500 feet. If you trigger one of these destructive slides, you will most likely not survive. Below 7,500 feet, these slab avalanches are likely to range in depth from 2 to 4 feet. Today's sunshine may increase the sensitivity of these slides to human triggers. Previous tracks on a slope should NOT be interpreted as a sign of stability.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Increasing westerly to southwesterly winds throughout the day will continue to form wind slabs at the mid and upper elevations. These surface slabs could be 1 to 3 feet deep and recently formed wind slabs will be more sensitive to triggers. Today's sunshine may increase the sensitivity of these wind slabs to human triggers. These wind slab avalanches could step down and trigger a much larger deep persistent slab avalanche.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Cloud cover will continue to lessen overnight as a weak ridge builds over the region. In the morning, skies are expected to be mostly clear and then clouds will develop throughout the day. Temperatures overnight will drop below zero and will then warm into the teens and 20s tomorrow. Ridgetop winds will be westerly at 10 to 25 mph. In all three forecast areas, terrain selection is imperative to avoid being caught in a dangerous and likely deadly avalanche. The avalanche hazard will remain Considerable. There is a good chance for humans to trigger slab avalanches up to 8 feet deep on avalanche-prone terrain. Although large persistent slabs are the main concern, winds slabs that formed during yesterday’s passing cold front will be more easily triggered and could step down initiating a much larger slide. The morning’s clear skies will allow for the sun to impact solar aspects and increase the potential for triggering an avalanche. The snowpack is still adjusting from a major loading event that began in early February, and during this period of adjustment, the snowpack is in flux making it more likely an individual could trigger large slides. Cautious route-finding and avoiding steep terrain are essential for those who want to return home safely.

Regions covered