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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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Across Western Wyoming over the last couple of days, several skiers and riders have had close calls above 7,500 feet. Miraculously, no fatalities or serious injuries have resulted. Numerous natural avalanches also occurred, some of which came down to the valley floor. Backcountry travelers are likely to trigger recently developed wind slabs up to three feet deep on steep, avalanche-prone slopes. Much higher consequence slides failing on the December drought layer could be initiated directly by backcountry travelers or indirectly after the release of the aforementioned wind slabs. These large to very large slides, which could also release naturally and be up to five feet in depth, are likely to be unsurvivable. During the day, warming temperatures and sunshine will increased the likelihood of both the recently developed wind slabs and the deep persistent slabs, particularly on sunlit aspects. Don’t let sunshine and fresh powder cloud your judgement; expert snowpack examination and a very conservative approach to terrain analysis will remain essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain. Below 7,500 feet, skiers and riders could trigger smaller slides. There, the runout zones of large, active slidepaths should also be avoided.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    Storm totals since January 9th are between two and three feet and contain over three inches of snow water equivalent. This extended loading event has reactivated weak, deep persistent layers of faceted snow that formed during the early December drought period. These avalanches could be triggered by the weight of a single person, or step down from the release of a smaller, recently formed wind slab. The consequences of being caught in one of these slides will likely be fatal. Increasing temperatures and sunshine will escalate the likelihood of these slabs as the day progresses.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Copious snowfall and strong southerly to northwesterly ridgetop winds have formed wind slabs in leeward terrain. Skiers and riders are likely to trigger these slabs to depths up to three feet. Sunshine and warming temperatures will also increase the sensitivity of these slabs today.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Skies will continue a clearing trend as high pressure builds over the region. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the mid-teens before rising into the upper 20s during the day. Northwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 15 to 30 miles per hour.Dangerous avalanche conditions exist, and the general avalanche hazard is expected to be Considerable above 7,500 feet on Sunday. Skiers and riders are likely to trigger recently developed wind slabs up to three feet in depth on steep, avalanche-prone slopes. Much higher consequence slides failing on the December drought layer could be initiated directly by backcountry travelers or indirectly after the release of the aforementioned wind slabs. These large to very large slides, which could also release naturally and be up to five feet in depth, are likely to be unsurvivable. During the day, warming temperatures and sunshine will increased the likelihood of both the recently developed wind slabs and the deep persistent slabs, particularly on sunlit aspects. Don’t let sunshine and fresh powder cloud your judgement; expert snowpack examination and a very conservative approach to terrain analysis will remain essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain on Sunday. Below 7,500 feet, skiers and riders could trigger smaller slides. There, the runout zones of large, active slidepaths should also be avoided.

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