Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Above 9,000 feet, skiers and riders could trigger small pockets of wind slab in steep, wind loaded terrain. Persistent deep slab avalanches remain the primary concern above 7,500 feet. Don’t let a drop in the hazard rating give you a false sense of security. While these large to very large slabs continue to be more difficult to trigger, they still carry high consequences. Remember, previous tracks are not an indication of stability with a persistent deep slab problem; your tracks could be the first ones to hit a shallow weak zone, and a deadly avalanche could be the result. With the exception of very steep, isolated terrain features, mostly stable snow exists below 7,500.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Above 9,000 feet, westerly ridgetop winds continue to transport snow onto leeward slopes, and the formation of shallow, soft wind slabs carries on. These slabs are developing upon sun crusts on southeasterly through southwesterly aspects. On partially shaded and shaded slopes, they are forming on surface hoar and near surface facets. Backcountry travelers could trigger these slabs with depths between 6 and 12 inches in steep, wind loaded terrain.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Persistent weak layers of faceted snow that formed during extended dry periods in November and December continue to be a significant threat to backcountry travelers. Above 7,500 feet, these slabs could be triggered with depths ranging from four to seven feet. Below 7,500 feet, skiers and riders might be able to trigger an isolated pocket of slab with depths between one and two feet.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Pacific moisture moving up and over a ridge to the west will bring mostly cloudy to overcast skies along with light snowfall to the region tonight and on Thursday. Overnight temperatures in the mountains will remain in the low teens before climbing into the mid-20s during the day. Westerly ridgetop winds will range from 15 to 25 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate above 7,500 feet on Thursday. Skiers and riders could trigger small pockets of wind slab in steep, wind loaded terrain at the higher elevations. Persistent deep slab avalanches will remain the primary concern. Don’t let a drop in the hazard rating give you a false sense of security. While these slabs continue to be more difficult to trigger, they still carry high consequences. These slabs could be up to 7 feet deep in the Teton and Southwest Trails forecast zones and up to 5 feet in depth on Togwotee Pass. Remember, previous tracks are not an indication of stability with a persistent deep slab problem; your tracks could be the first ones to hit a shallow weak zone, and a deadly avalanche could be the result. Mostly stable snow exists below 7,500 feet.

Regions covered