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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

New snow continues to add weight to buried persistent weak layers within the snowpack, and it remains possible for riders and skiers to trigger small to large slab avalanches in avalanche-prone terrain above 7,500 feet. Gusty winds have begun to form small wind slabs along high ridges and wind-loaded terrain features. Triggering one of these smaller surface slabs could initiate the release of a larger persistent slab avalanche. Below 7,500 feet, avalanches are unlikely except for small isolated pockets on steep slopes. Backcountry travelers should monitor conditions and use safe travel techniques when exposed to avalanche terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Poor snowpack structure is widespread in the Southwest Trails forecast area. Basal facets, near-surface facets, surface hoar, and crusts all persist in the snowpack. On a variety of aspects above 7,500 feet, skiers and riders continue to have the potential of triggering persistent slab avalanches that could have depths of one to four feet. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles, are more likely to initiate one of these slabs.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Pacific moisture in a southwest flow is expected to impact the forecast area tonight through tomorrow. Snowfall amounts will favor the Tetons, where the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory through 8 PM on Thursday, with 6-12 inches by tomorrow afternoon. The Greys River area is expected to receive 3 to 6 inches and Togwotte Pass will only see a few inches. Southwesterly winds will be fifteen to twenty miles per hour with higher ridgetop gusts, and mountain temperatures will rise into the mid to upper twenties. Tomorrow morning the avalanche hazard is expected to start out at Moderate in all the forecast areas. It will be possible for riders and skiers to trigger slab avalanches one to four feet deep in avalanche terrain. As the day progresses, the hazard will increase in the Teton and the Grey’s River areas, where more significant snowfall is expected. The new snow along with moderate southwesterly winds will form wind slabs along ridges and wind loaded terrain features. Increased loading throughout the day will cause these slabs to become more sensitive to triggers, and the additional weight on the snowpack may cause buried weak layers to become reactive. It will be important for backcountry travelers to monitor the intensity of the storm and plan accordingly.

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