Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering a large avalanche that fails on weak layers buried 2-4 feet deep is possible in very steep terrain today. Wind loaded slopes at the upper elevations are most dangerous. Signs of instability, such as cracking or collapsing, may not present themselves prior to triggering. Careful terrain choices and thorough snowpack evaluation are recommended today.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Weak layers of faceted snow that formed in November sit below recently formed slabs. These slabs are generally 2-4 feet thick and could be hard or soft depending on location. This problem is confined to upper elevation terrain and shaded aspects at the mid elevations. East through north facing slopes held the most continuous and well developed weak snow prior to the recent storms. While the likelihood of triggering is slowly decreasing, there is still a chance that a human can trigger a large persistent slab avalanche in very steep (>35deg) upper elevation terrain. Wind loaded slopes will produce the largest and most destructive avalanches. Obvious signs of instability, such as cracking or collapsing, may not be present prior to triggering.

    Persistent slab avalanches in the adjacent Teton forecast zone. These slides ran naturally several days ago during an intense loading event.

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Strong and sustained winds out of the southwest/west accompanied recent snowfall forming hard slabs up to a foot deep in wind loaded terrain at the upper elevations. These slabs will be difficult to trigger, but the chance remains in very steep, wind loaded start zones. Look for slab formation further down slope and in unusual locations given the recent wind speeds. 

Avalanche Discussion

The Salt River and Wyoming ranges are coming out of a significant loading event. Heavy dense snow, extremely strong wings, and rain to 9,000’ have dramatically changed the snowpack. The recent snow has turned into a dense slab capped by a slick crust that is overlying weak facets and crusts on shaded slopes above 8,000’. This slab has gained strength, making it harder for a human to impact the buried weak layers. As a result, signs of instability and human triggered avalanches have been decreasing over the past few days. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the lack of activity indicates a significant decrease in hazard. Weak layers are under significant stress right now and the weight of a rider may be just enough to tip the scales in very steep, upper elevation starting zones.The drop to Moderate danger reflects the decreasing likelihood of triggering. However, the possibility remains and the resulting avalanche will be large. A notable natural avalanche cycle occurred 2-3 days ago and is a reminder of the weak snow at the base of the snowpack. Conditions have changed significantly since then, however, this adjustment process does take time. Careful terrain choices and a thorough assessment of snowpack structure are recommended.

Access to the mountains is difficult right now. But If you are out and about, please consider submitting an observation here. A photo of an avalanche or snow surface observation can make a big difference. Thank you!

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