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

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist at the upper elevations. Large hard slabs continue to be loaded by westerly winds and remain unstable. These destructive slabs could be triggered by the weight of a person. Survival would be unlikely. Surface slabs formed during the most recent storm event could also be human triggered. Conservative terrain choices and expert route selection skills are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    At the upper elevations dangerous hard slabs lie upon weak, faceted snow and crust near the base of the snowpack. These instabilities exist on shaded northerly aspects. Recent natural activity has occurred on this persistent weak layer. These slabs could triggered by skiers and riders with depths to five feet. Multiple tracks on a suspect slope should not be considered to be an indication of stability

  • Wind Slabs

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

    At the mid and upper elevations surface slabs up to three feet in depth formed by southwesterly to west-northwesterly winds could be human triggered in steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Temperatures are expected to be inverted and will drop well below zero tonight under mostly clear skies. A Pacific low pressure system moving into northwest British Columbia will begin to spread moisture into western Wyoming. Increasing clouds during the afternoon are to be followed by the development of light snowfall in the evening. Temperatures will rise into the teens. Winds will back to the southwest and continue at speeds of 15 to 20 with gusts to 30 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE at the upper elevations. Dangerous deep slab avalanches four to six feet in depth could be triggered by skiers or snowmobilers on a rain crust at the base of the snowpack. Surface slabs one to three feet in depth could also be human triggered in steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones at the mid and upper elevations. Conservative terrain choices are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 7,500 feet were the general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW.

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