Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired last year.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

Highlights

New snow and northerly wind will create heightened avalanches conditions on steep terrain exposed to the wind where triggering avalanches around a foot deep is possible. Identify slopes where new snow has been transported by the wind and assess how the new snow is bonding to old snow surfaces across all aspects and elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    7-10 inches of new snow (by the end of the day) combined with shifting northwest to northeast wind will form soft slabs up to 12-16 inches deep on wind loaded terrain. Triggering avalanches will be possible on steep slopes open and exposed to the wind primarily above 8000’. Firm crusts formed prior to the storm could create slick bed surfaces for avalanches to fail and gain momentum quickly downslope. Look for signs of wind transport on leeward terrain such as fresh cornices and stiffened or cracking snow surfaces. 

    Storm slabs: Assess how the new snow is bonding to old snow surfaces across all aspects as smaller storm slabs could be triggering in sheltered terrain. Watch for new snow to destabilize if skies clear on slopes facing the sun. Performing quick hand shear tests can be an effective way to gain an understanding of new snow stability. 

    Shooting cracks provide an indication of unstable wind loaded terrain. 

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Changing Conditions

The weather pattern has finally shifted after a long period of some of the better spring slush and corn riding this forecast area experiences. With the change in weather, expect a change in snow stability as we transition back to dry snow avalanche problems. An additional 2-4 inches of snow is possible by the end of the day. Two main questions will exist out there. How is all the new snow bonding to the old surfaces and how much snow has been transported by the wind? Prior to the snowfall, firm bed surfaces formed across all aspects below at least 10,000’ as temperatures remained above freezing for multiple nights. Expect any avalanches to entrain snow and gain momentum downslope on sustained and steeper terrain as a result. Anticipate potentially finding larger, more reactive wind slabs the higher you travel in elevation. These wind slabs could be found in atypical areas thanks to the northerly wind. Although less consequential, small dry loose avalanches and sloughing will be likely today. Storm slabs may even be possible, despite the right-side character created by cooling temperature trends during the snowfall. It will be important to assess all these different types of new snow problems depending on your travel plans and terrain complexity. When in doubt, move to gentler terrain sheltered from the wind to safely manage these problems. Enjoy the spring powder!

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