Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The chance continues for skiers and riders to trigger slab avalanches involving weak layers that persist under recent snowfall or possibly deeper in the snowpack. These slabs have the potential to be large at higher elevations while at the low elevations, isolated pockets of slab could be triggered in very steep wind loaded features. These weaknesses can be easily found by evaluating the snowpack, however, determining which steep slopes may fail with additional load is very difficult and snow pit results could be misleading due to spatial variability. Not overthinking the snowpack and exercising continued diligence in making conservative terrain choices is the best way to manage the current avalanche concerns.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Above 7500 feet slab avalanches involving persistent weak layers could be triggered that could be small to large in size with depths to four feet. Failure of the weak layer could propagate long distances, meaning some slopes could be triggered from well below steep terrain or their release may be more stubborn and not fail until a person has committed to a steep decent. Below 7500 feet, depths to eighteen inches are possible where the lower portion of the snowpack is weak and faceted. At all elevations, slabs may become slightly more sensitive this afternoon as they are further weakened by increasing temperatures and direct sunlight.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Inversion conditions with sub-zero temperatures are expected in the morning at all elevations. Skies will be mostly sunny during the day as breezy conditions bring in warmer air that may help to break down the inversion. Highs are to reach the twenties at higher elevations and the thirties in the valleys. The general avalanche hazard is to remain Moderate above 7500 feet and low below that elevation. The chance continues for skiers or riders to trigger slab avalanches in the backcountry. These slabs could be hard or soft and have depths to four feet in higher elevation terrain. At low elevations, isolated pockets of slab to eighteen inch depths could be triggered. These slabs could become more sensitive during the afternoon as they are weakened by sunlight and increasing temperatures. The trend continues for these slabs to generally become less sensitive but make no mistake that areas of instability exist and human triggered slides remain possible.

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