Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

It is unlikely that you will trigger an avalanche today. Chances remain highest in steep, rocky terrain on northerly aspects where slabs could be 1-3 feet deep. Although the possibility of triggering an avalanche is unlikely, the consequences could be high in terrain where you get strained through trees, rocks or pushed into terrain traps. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Triggering a slab avalanche is unlikely but not impossible. Weak layers buried 1-3 feet below the surface continue to show the potential for propagation in snow pits. A size D2 avalanche was triggered by snowmachiners 3 days ago on a steep north aspect near 10,000 feet. This avalanche was three feet deep and is an excellent example of an isolated area in the zone with potential avalanche activity. Wind-affected and rocky terrain on steep, shady slopes is where you might encounter a thin spot in the snowpack, which is most likely to trigger an avalanche. Getting caught and carried could be traumatic, given obstacles below the surface. Dig down to confirm or deny weak, sugary snow as you travel.

    (12/30/2023)

    Snowmobile triggered avalanche on a north aspect at 9800'. Triggered by rider topping out on the slope. No one was caught or carried in this avalanche.

    Photo: Shane Copeland

Avalanche Discussion

Bill Murray‘s character Phil Connors finally escapes Groundhog Day by becoming a better person. Unfortunately, our own escape from the current situation will not result from personal growth or anything else in our control, only a shift in the weather. It is, however, a free lesson in patience. There has been no significant loading (storms) in three weeks, only one avalanche reported in the Greys River zone and the message remains the same - avalanches are unlikely but not impossible. Do not get complacent and use safe travel practices (one at a time through suspect terrain). Enjoy the recycled powder that has formed from this long dry spell on shady aspects, but be wary of steep terrain with thin spots or terrain traps where weak sugary snow at the base of the snowpack could catch you off guard in consequential terrain. Low-elevation terrain and sunny aspects are littered with obstacles or don’t have enough snow to ride. Be patient, ride with caution where warranted and be thankful that our own Groundhog Day does not involve listening to Sonny and Cher every morning and will not last for years. Snow is in the forecast.

As you ride today, pay attention to the surface conditions. You will find a mix of sugary, faceted snow, crusts, and surface hoar. None of these conditions bode well for stability once buried by the next storm. Noting the location and distribution will give you a handle on where the next avalanche problems will be.

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