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Out of date — this forecast expired 10 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

On partially shaded and shaded slopes above 9,000 feet, skiers and riders could to trigger pockets of surface slab in very steep terrain that held snow from October. The likelihood of triggering these slides will increase during the day as new snow and sustained southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds combine to increase the hazard. These slabs, which rest upon a hard rain crust and faceted snow, could increase to depths of 6 to 18 inches by this evening. In terrain where this sliding surface does not exist, the snowpack lacks sufficient depth and structure for avalanche activity.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    The primary layer of concern is faceted snow resting on the hard October rain crust. This persistent weak layer exists on northwesterly through northerly to northeasterly aspects above 9,000 feet. Southwesterly ridgetop winds have ranged from 15 to 25 miles per hour over the past 48 hours, which has transported snow and stiffened up surface slabs. Today’s snowfall and wind will increase the sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )An upper level low pressure system and associated cold front will begin to bring snowfall to Western Wyoming in the early morning hours and continue through the day. By Sunday evening, expect 4 to 8 inches of accumulation in the mountains. Southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds at 20 to 30 miles per hour will accompany this snowfall. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the upper teens overnight and only warm a few degrees during the day.The general avalanche hazard is expected to increase to MODERATE on Sunday. The primary layer of concern is faceted snow resting on the hard October rain crust, which exists on westerly through northerly to easterly aspects above 9,000 feet. In steep, avalanche prone terrain where this persistent weak layer is present, backcountry travelers could trigger similar slides that occurred Thursday through Saturday. As the day progress, the likelihood of triggering these slides will increase, along with their depth and volume.

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