Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 years ago.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

Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist, particularly in the Salt River Range. Over the past two days, numerous skier triggered slides have been reported along with some natural activity. Above 7,500 feet, skiers and riders are likely to trigger small to large wind slabs in steep, wind loaded terrain. Large persistent slab avalanches remain a concern. These slabs could be triggered directly by backcountry travelers or indirectly after stepping down from the release of a wind slab. Natural activity is possible. Below 7,500 feet, skiers and riders could trigger slab avalanches one to two feet in depth. Don’t let powder fever lure you into compromising terrain; expert snowpack evaluation and route selection skills will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Since Wednesday, one to two feet new snow has fallen in the Southwest Trails area with the Salt River Range being heavily favored. Westerly to northwesterly ridgetop winds accompanied this snowfall, and wind slabs with depths of 12 to 30 inches have formed in leeward terrain. These reactive wind slabs reside just above firm sun crusts, surface hoar and near surface facets. Today, these slabs will continue to be easily triggered on steep, wind loaded slopes.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Over the past two days, one to two and a half inches of snow water equivalent has been added to persistent weak layers of faceted snow that reside within the snowpack. Above 7,500 feet, this load has increased the likelihood of triggering dangerous slab avalanches with depths of two to four feet. The snowpack is comprised of mostly faceted snow below 7,500 feet. There, skiers and riders could trigger persistent slabs with depths of one to two feet.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )After a brief lull overnight and into Saturday, light snowfall will return to the region during the day. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near 10 degrees before rising into the low 20s in the afternoon. Westerly ridgetop winds will range from 15 to 25 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Considerable on Saturday. In the Tetons, skiers and riders could easily trigger recently formed wind slabs one to two feet in depth in steep, wind loaded terrain above 7,500 feet. Deeper wind slabs are likely in areas that received greater amounts of snowfall in the Southwest Trails area. Persistent slabs remain a concern, particularly in the Salt River Range. These slabs, with depths of two to four feet, could be triggered directly by backcountry travelers or indirectly after stepping down from the release of a wind slab. Natural activity may remain possible. Below 7,500 feet, skiers and riders could trigger slab avalanches one to two feet in depth. Don’t let powder fever lure you into compromising terrain; expert snowpack evaluation and route selection skills will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.

Regions covered