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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

In very steep avalanche terrain above 7,500 feet, backcountry travelers could trigger small to large, recently developed wind slabs. If extended periods of sunshine occur, these slabs may become more susceptible to failure in the afternoon. Persistent deep slab avalanches also remain a concern. Skiers and riders could trigger these large to very large slabs on a variety of aspects above 7,500 feet. Evaluate the snowpack carefully, monitor the effect of the sun, and be willing to alter your travel plans if conditions warrant. The snowpack below 7,500 feet has undergone multiple melt-freeze cycles, and significant avalanche activity is unlikely.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    Areas of poor snowpack structure exist, and the weight of a single person is still sufficient to trigger a deep persistent slab avalanche. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles, the release of a wind slab or a cornice failure, are more likely than an individual skier to trigger one of these deadly avalanches. Slab depths could vary from three to six feet. Remember, previous tracks are not an indication of stability with deep persistent slabs.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Around 18 inches of snow has accumulated since the middle of the week. Southwesterly ridgetop winds accompanied this snowfall forming wind slabs in leeward terrain. These slabs reside above sun crusts, surface hoar and dense, settled snow. Backcountry travelers venturing onto very steep, avalanche prone slopes above 7,500 feet could trigger these slabs with depths ranging from one to two feet.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Zonal flow aloft will develop with the jet stream to the south over Utah on Saturday. Light to moderate snow showers will continue tonight before decreasing in intensity on Saturday. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the single digits before rising into the upper teens in the afternoon. Nighttime lows in the valleys will be near 10 before climbing into the mid-20s during the day. Southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds will range from 15 to 25 miles per hour.Above 7,500 feet, new snow and wind will add a little depth and volume to the existing wind slabs. In very steep avalanche terrain, skiers and riders could trigger these slabs with depths ranging from one to two feet. Persistent deep slab avalanches remain a threat in the Togwotee Pass and Southwest Trails forecast zones. Snowmobilers are more likely than skiers to impact the weak layers of faceted snow that reside three to six feet down. With these persistent deep slabs, previous tracks are not an indication of stability. The snowpack below 7,500 feet has gone through several melt-freeze cycles. After an expected hard freeze overnight, avalanche activity will be unlikely on Sunday.

Regions covered