Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The threat of wet avalanches will increase as sunny skies destabilize recent snow on steep slopes facing the sun. Watch for isolated wind slabs up to 1 foot thick on southerly aspects on upper elevation terrain. Pay attention to signs of heating, and move away from steep slopes where the new snow is becoming wet. 

We will issue our last daily avalanche forecast on Sunday, April 20th, and transition to issuing General Avalanche Information Bulletins twice per week or as needed based on weather conditions.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    The chance of wet loose avalanches will increase as the day progresses. With clear sunny skies through early afternoon, the 6 - 8 inches of new snow will quickly destabilize. Cold temperatures overnight will help delay the heating, but strong April sun will increase the threat of natural and human-triggered wet avalanches on solar aspects. Avalanches will be more likely on terrain surrounded by rocks that heat the surrounding snow surfaces. Move off steep solar slopes if you start seeing signs of warming, such as roller balls or very small loose snow avalanches. 

    (4/6/2025)

    Large D2.5-R2 wet loose avalanche in that likely occurred during the past warming cycle in April. 

     

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Over the past 48 hours, 6-8 inches of new snow have fallen in the Salt and Wyoming Ranges. Yesterday, new snow and moderate northwest/northeast winds built slabs up to 1 foot deep on the south half of the compass, primarily on upper elevation terrain. It will be possible to trigger an avalanche on very steep (>35º) terrain features where winds have transported new snow onto slick crusts. You're most likely to find these slabs on terrain exposed to the wind, such as steep ridgelines and couloir entrances. Look for signs of wind transport on leeward terrain such as fresh cornices and stiffened or cracking snow surfaces. Warmer temperatures and direct sunlight could increase the sensitivity of these avalanches today. 

Avalanche Discussion

A quick storm yesterday deposited an additional 6 - 8 inches of new snow in the Salt and Wyoming Ranges. Combined with gusty winds generally from the north, today's problems are directly related to this new snow. Wind slabs are likely isolated to steep terrain features where additional new snow was deposited. These slabs will likely be stubborn, but don't get caught off guard in complex terrain where even a small avalanche can have large consequences. Clear sunny skies will quickly destabilize the new snow, leading to wet loose avalanches. Even though temperatures are cold, April sun is strong and quickly changes the characteristics of the snow. All this new snow is sitting on top of firm, slick crusts that formed over the previous few days. Any avalanches that occur today will have the ability to run far on this slippery bed surface. It can be easy to let your guard down at the end of the season, but realize these storms and avalanches deserve the same respect and attention that is given earlier in the season. Continue to use safe travel practices, pay attention to changing conditions, and enjoy the spring season. 

Thank you to everyone who helped make this winter so enjoyable. We couldn’t do this without all the detailed observations and willingness to share your experiences with avalanches. Our observation and website will remain operational as we transition to General Bulletins next week. We will also continue to update our 24 Hour Data Summary (Big Sheet) on a daily basis in the later morning hours. Cheers!

Human Factor 2.0 Backcountry Recreation Survey: For years, the avalanche community has worked to understand and address the human factors that influence decision-making in the backcountry.  A current project involves interviewing backcountry recreationalists traveling in avalanche terrain for at least one season. All participants will be entered to win some great raffle prizes (from Jones Snowboards, BCA, and more!).

Please consider taking 1-2 minutes to fill out our basic initial survey. 

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