Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering an avalanche remains possible on weak layers of snow buried 1-3 feet below the surface. The nature of these weak layers are spatially variable and difficult to predict. Dig down in the snow to investigate the sensitivity of these layers to help reduce this uncertainty before and while you are traveling in avalanche terrain on slopes over 30°.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–3

    Weak layers of snow are buried 1-3 feet deep, and up to 4 feet deep in upper elevations. These layers can be broken down into two main categories:

    1). Surface hoar layers in the upper portion of the snowpack are buried 1-3 feet deep depending on the elevation. This layer is difficult to manage due to its scattered distribution and reactive nature. Digging a snowpit in one location may not identify this layer. Use extra caution in terrain sheltered from the wind where this layer was preserved and buried. 

     2). Persistent weak layers formed in November and December are buried 2-4 feet deep near the base of the snowpack. These weak, sugary facets are widespread across most aspects and elevations with increased sensitivity in terrain with a shallow snowpack. Reactivity of these layers has decreased over time, but the poor structure still exists. Rapid changing conditions such as snow, wind, or temperature will increase the reactivity of these layers. 

    (1/5/2023)

    Jack Hollow crown averaging 2-3 feet in depth.

    Photo: Antonioil

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs formed from a variety of wind directions may still be sensitive to triggering up to 2 feet in depth across an array of aspects in the upper elevations. The Greys picked up around 1.5 feet of snow over the last 5 days with moderate winds out of the west to southeast. Warm temperatures above and near freezing from the last two days will likely make these slabs difficult to trigger. Upper elevations are the primary concern, which experienced the largest loading events and lowest temperatures. Be aware that incoming snowfall today could cover these old slabs making them difficult to identify.

    (1/12/2023)

    Cracking, an obvious sign of instability. 

Avalanche Discussion

Mindset is an important factor in decision making when traveling in avalanche terrain. By gathering information, we can assess what terrain to choose based on current snowpack conditions. Persistent slab problems force us to feel entrenched and avoid steep, complex terrain. These weak layers are decreasing in sensitivity over time, but we still lack the confidence to step out into that complex terrain. Warm temperatures combined with recent snow and wind the last several days has changed the snowpack. During these times it’s important to reassess those persistent weak layers. The challenging part is that these layers are difficult to assess. Performing stability tests are the best way to gauge the reactivity of these layers. Take the time to perform these tests, choose terrain wisely, and let us know what you see by submitting observations when you're riding or skiing in the Greys Forecast Zone.

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