Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Surface slabs formed by new snow and strong winds over the last week could be triggered by riders or skiers at all elevations and all aspects today in steep avalanche terrain. Rising temperatures and periods of sunlight will increase the sensitivity of these slabs this afternoon. A remote chance persists for slabs to fail on older weaknesses. A large trigger such as the initiation and movement of a wind slab may be necessary to cause this deeper failure. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Skiers and riders have the potential to trigger recently developed soft wind slabs on all aspects and elevations. At the higher elevations, these slabs could have depths to three feet. At the lower elevations, they lie upon faceted snow and could release up to 12 inch depths. The sensitivity of these slabs will increase today as they are weakened by warming temperatures and direct sunlight. Although the sensitivity of these slabs has generally decreased, they can still be triggered by a single rider or skier. Beware of any steep terrain with obvious areas of wind loading.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    Above 7,500 feet, hard slabs with depths to six feet lie upon persistent weak layers of faceted snow. Approximately 4 inches of moisture was recently added to the snowpack and no activity has been reported. The last deep slab to be triggered on this layer was near commissary ridge on January 9th. Although activity on this layer is unlikely, if triggered, these slabs would carry severe consequences.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Broken skies are expected Friday morning with patchy valley fog. Later in the day, expect increasing clouds in advance of the next system to arrive Saturday. Mountain temperatures are to reach near thirty degrees and southwest winds are to have averages between ten and fifteen miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate throughout western Wyoming. Wind slabs could be triggered in steep terrain to depths of three feet. These slabs will be more sensitive to failure in the afternoon when they will be weakened by warm temperatures and periods of sunshine. Although these slabs are not as sensitive as they were earlier in the week, failure from a single skier or rider remains possible in wind loaded areas. The possibility to trigger deeper weaknesses in the snowpack persists. This chance remains highest in the Togwotee Pass area. In the Tetons and Southwest Trails areas, failure of these deep slabs is unlikely but remains possible, particularly to large triggers such as the movement of a surface slab avalanche.

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