Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 13 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Sunshine, warm temperatures and much calmer winds will cause snow surfaces to warm and that will increase the likelihood that humans will trigger large slab avalanches. Although these dangerous slabs could be triggered in the early morning hours they will be more sensitive to failure during the warmer portion of the day. The consequences of being caught by one of these slabs could be fatal. Expert knowledge, restraint and conservative terrain choices are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain today.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–3

    Large persistent slabs two to six feet in depth could be triggered on a variety of aspects. However, east and southeast aspects have have been the most active. These slabs have been triggered by skiers and snowmobilers in areas where thick deposits of wind drifted snow exist in avalanche starting zones. Thin, weak spots on steep, rocky slopes are also likely trigger points. Previous tracks on a slope may not be an indication of stability. With abundant sunshine in the forecast the sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers will increase as temperatures warm. Natural avalanche releases remain a possibility.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The high pressure ridge will dominate our weather. Skies will be clear above areas of patchy morning fog. Overnight lows will fall into the teens at elevation and to near zero in the valley bottoms. Daytime highs will rise to near 30 at all elevations. Northwest winds will weaken to 5 to 10 miles per hour.Sunshine, warm temperatures and much calmer winds will increase the potential for humans to trigger large slab avalanches with crown depths of two to six feet. Although these dangerous slabs could be triggered during the early morning hours they are expected to be more sensitive to failure during the warmer portions of the day. Human involvements with one of these large slabs is likely to be fatal. The general avalanche hazard will be CONSIDERABLE. Conservation decisions regarding terrain choices are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.

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