Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Strong wind has formed stiff, shallow slabs in open and exposed upper elevation terrain. Look for signs of wind loaded terrain containing stiff drifts, rippled surfaces, and shooting cracks. Although far less likely, weak layers buried 2-4 feet by hard slabs are lingering in isolatd areas that contain a weak and shallow snowpack.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong wind over the last 48 hours has formed shallow wind slabs less than 12 inches deep. These stiff wind slabs have been easy to trigger the last several days as they lie on weak interfaces. Although small, these wind slabs could knock you off your feet or machine. Larger slabs will be found above the treeline and more likely off ridgelines or around confined features like couloirs. Seek terrain sheltered from the wind if you encounter signs of instability.

    (1/21/2025)

    This small wind slab was noted on a N aspect at middle elevations up Strawberry Creek.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak snow is buried by hard slabs 2-4 feet deep. The odds of triggering a persistent slab avalanche have decreased over time. Unfortunately these weak layers require a long time to heal. Although unlikely, it is not impossible to still trigger a persistent slab avalanche. Shaded, northerly slopes over 35° steep that contain thin, sensitive areas in the slab are the most likely places to impact buried weak layers. Thin spots usually exist around complex, rocky, and wind-affected terrain.

    Areas that contain a shallower and therefore weaker snowpack is where persistent slab avalanches are more of a concern. The Wyoming Range contains shallower snow depths than the Salt River Range. Stability tests are still showing unstable results despite the lack of recent avalanches. Lower elevation terrain lacked snow during drought conditions in December when persistent weak layers formed. 

    (1/13/2025)

    This photo from the Wyoming Range is an example of where you can trigger persistent weak layers. 

Avalanche Discussion

Low Probability, High Consequence Scenario

The spatial variability of snow depths and persistent weak layers across this zone is large. The odds of triggering a persistent slab are increased on isolated terrain features where the weak layers are buried 2-3 feet deep. The southern Wyoming Range around Big Piney is notorious for containing a weaker, shallower snowpack.  Areas where the persistent weak layer is buried 3-4 feet deep, such as upper elevations or many parts of the Salt River Range, will be even more unlikely. Your odds of triggering an avalanche are slowly decreasing, but each day is only incrementally safer than the last. Benign weather will help slopes stabilize, but the process is slow. The last reported cycle of persistent slab avalanches occurred January 7th. Remain vigilant traveling through avalanche terrain in areas that contain a weak and shallow snowpack. The best way to identify these areas is to probe for snow depths or look for low snow coverage where rocks or vegetation are still showing.  Identify complex terrain where avalanches are more likely and look out for terrain traps where unsuspecting slopes can have serious consequences.

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