Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Triggering a slab avalanche remains a possibility today. Triggering is most likely in wind loaded areas where avalanches could be up to three feet thick. These slabs rest on a thin, early season snowpack barely covering rocks, trees and other obstacles. Ride off-trail or ski with caution and be mindful of the weak and shallow snow conditions. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    New snow in the last 48 hours has built isolated pockets of slab less than a foot in depth that now rest on older persistent slabs. Triggering these smaller slabs has the potential to activate weak layers deeper in the snowpack in upper elevation terrain on the north half of the compass.

    In addition to this more recent slabs, slabs that formed over a week ago sit on top of weak snow. These slabs are stubborn and difficult to trigger in most areas, but the possibility of triggering remains. Slab depths are generally in the 1-3 foot range and have been triggered from a distance as shown in the photo. Obvious signs of instability such as avalanches, shooting cracks and collapsing may not be present in these conditions. Ride one at a time across steep terrain, use islands of safety when stopping and communicate your plans with your partners.

    (12/20/2024)

    This avalanche was remotely triggered up Murphy Creek near the Stewart Massif ~8300' on a NE aspect on 12/20. 

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

An early season snowpack exists in the Salt River and Wyoming Ranges. Shallow snow depth allowed weak snow to develop, especially in the lower half of the snowpack. Snow that fell between Dec 15-17 formed slabs that sit on this weak snow and remain a problem. Over time triggering a slab avalanche has become difficult, as that interface is slowly gaining strength. Despite gradual improvement, the possibility of triggering remains. Consequences also remain high, as going for a ride could result in burial or significant injury. Hard obstacles such as rocks and downed trees are just below the surface in many locations. Getting dragged through this type of terrain can result in bodily harm.

You may think you got a lump of coal in your stocking unless you read the weather forecast for the rest of the week and into next.  If you ride today you might want to take the time to dig a quick pit or two and be ready to mark the changes as we will begin adding significant load to the weak snow below. The drought-formed layers  slowly gained strength but pits still show propagation potential in a widely variable way. Some restraint will be order but it seems our lean Christmas will improve for the new year.

Regions covered