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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Highlights

Strong southwesterly to northwesterly ridgetop winds impacted the region yesterday. These winds will continue to transport new and available snow throughout the day, and dangerous avalanche conditions will result above 9,000 feet. While skiers and riders could trigger slab avalanches on density breaks within the recent snowfall, the primary concern will be small to large persistent slab avalanches. Skiers and riders could easily trigger these slabs in steep terrain at all elevations, and the highest consequences will be on upper elevation slopes where these slabs are deepest. Cautious route finding and conservative terrain choices will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Following an extended dry period that ended on Friday, December 11th, the Southwest Trails forecast zone has received between 1.5 and 2.0 inches of snow water equivalent. The snowpack varies significantly beneath that snowfall. In the higher elevations, buried sun crusts and faceted snow provide sliding surfaces and weak layers, and backcountry travelers have the potential of triggering persistent slab avalanches up to 30 inches deep on steep, wind loaded slopes. In the lower elevations, where the recent snowfall resides above a shallow snowpack comprised of crusts, buried surface hoar and well developed facets down to the ground, human triggered slides around a foot deep will be possible in steep terrain that has not been heavily impacted by the sun.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )After a brief lull overnight, northwesterly flow aloft will bring another round of snowfall to the region with the Tetons being favored over the other two forecast areas. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the mid-teens before climbing to near 30 in the afternoon. Westerly ridgetop winds will range from 20 to 30 miles per hour.On Sunday, the general avalanche hazard is expected to be Considerable in the higher elevations of the Teton and Southwest Trails forecast zones. Continued snowfall and strong winds will result in dangerous avalanche conditions. While skiers and riders could trigger slab avalanches on density breaks within the recent snowfall, the primary concern for Sunday will be persistent slab avalanches. Skiers and riders could trigger these slides in steep terrain at all elevations, but the highest consequences will be on upper elevation slopes where these slabs could be up to 30 inches deep. In lower elevation terrain, smaller slabs around a foot deep will be possible. The general avalanche hazard is expected to remain Moderate on Togwotee Pass where backcountry travelers have the potential of triggering persistent slabs with depths ranging from one to two feet.

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