Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Since yesterday morning temperatures have cooled 5 to 10 degrees in the mountains and over 20 degrees in the valley. Above 7,500 feet, skiers and riders entering avalanche terrain could trigger recently developed wind slabs with greatly varying depths. As the day progresses, daytime warming and abundant sunshine will increase the likelihood of triggering these slides. With this warming, the threat of wet slides could return in the afternoon below 9,000 feet. Cautious route finding and careful snowpack evaluation will be necessary for safe travel in avalanche terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    In the last week, the Southwest Trails area has received over seven inches of snow water equivalent. Very strong southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds have accompanied this snowfall, and dense wind slabs have formed above 7,500 feet. These slides could be triggered on density breaks within the recent snowfall, or down to a graupel layer from last Friday. Faceted snow from January can also be found in some areas. This scenario results in slab depths ranging anywhere from six inches to four or five feet. Daytime warming will increase the likelihood of triggering these slides, and natural activity could become possible in the afternoon.

  • Wet Slabs

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

    Cold overnight temperatures have greatly reduced the threat of wet slides, but warm, wet snow remains below frozen surfaces. As the day warms, skiers and riders might be able to trigger a wet slab below 9,000 feet. If surface crusts begin to break down, seek out cooler terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Expect mostly clear skies on Sunday as high pressure builds into the region. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the single digits before rising into the mid 20s during the day. Inverted temperatures will develop tonight, and the valleys will be around five degrees cooler. Northwesterly ridgetop winds will decrease to 5 to 15 miles per hour by Sunday morning.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Considerable on Sunday. Skiers and riders venturing into steep avalanche terrain could trigger wind slabs on a variety of aspects above 7,500 feet. These slides could fail on density breaks within the recent snowfall or down to a graupel layer from last Friday. This scenario results in slab depths ranging anywhere from six inches to four or five feet. As the day warms, these slides could become more susceptible to failure on sunlit aspects. In the Togwotee Pass area, a chance lingers to trigger full depth avalanches on northerly aspects above 9,000 feet. With cold temperatures expected overnight, the threat of wet slides will be greatly diminished Sunday morning.

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