Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago.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

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist in areas that recieved significant snowfall such as Commisary ridge where 9" of snow fell overnight.  This new snow was accompanied by moderate to strong winds and can be easily triggered by backcountry riders and skiers today in steep terrain at the upper elevations. Avalanches can also be triggered involving new snow at the mid elevations. At low elevations, avalanche activity is unlikely however very steep terrain that received higher snowfall amounts could produce avalanches in isolated areas.  Making conservative terrain choices by avoiding very steep terrain is the best way to avoid this type of avalanche concern caused by rapid loading. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow has fallen on a variety of snow surfaces at the mid and upper elevations including firm wind pack, sun-crusts, and near surface facets. West to northwest winds that averaged 10-20 mph overnight have helped to form slabs in leeward terrain. These slabs will be sensitive today and could have depths to 18" in upper elevation terrain where the snowfall amounts were highest. Slabs up to 12" are possible at mid-elevations. In addition to wind slabs, the new snow could release more like a storm slab as elevation decreases and in sheltered, very steep terrain, loose snow avalanches will also be possible. 

Avalanche Discussion

The Southwest trails area is large and includes several mountain ranges.  Determining snowfall amounts is difficult due to a lack of weather stations, however, Commisary ridge recieved significant snowfall (9")and others areas are presumed to have recieved more.  The danger rating of Considerable is for areas where more significant snowfall occured. Areas that received 6" or less, have more of a Moderate rating, however slides can still be human triggered in that terrain.  New snow fell on wind crusts, sun crusts and weak surface facets formed during recent cold and dry conditions. Evaluating the interface of the recently buried snow surface and the new snow will provide a lot of insight in evaluating slope stability. 

The older persistent problems, particularly the one buried on January 26th, are not thought to be a concern at this time.  These layers could become more of concern as the next storm inpacts the area. 

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