Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist above 7,500 feet. Skiers and riders could trigger shallow pockets of wind slab in leeward terrain above 8,500 feet. Much higher consequences are associated with persistent weak layers buried deeply in the snowpack. On a variety of aspects above 7,500 feet, backcountry travelers could trigger large to very large, deadly slab avalanches failing on these weak layers. Avalanche activity below 7,500 feet is expected to be limited to steep, isolated terrain features. Monitor the timing of the incoming storm system, and have a plan to back off if it arrives earlier than expected.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Persistent weak layers of faceted snow associated with the December 11th interface vary significantly across the landscape. Since Saturday morning, around a half of an inch of snow water equivalent has been added to these layers. Above 7,500 feet, backcountry travelers have the potential of triggering slab avalanches failing on these layers with depths ranging from two to five feet. The release of a wind slab could also initiate one of these deadly slides. Previous tracks are not an indication of stability, and conservative terrain choices are the best tool to manage this hazard. With the exception of steep, isolated terrain features, the snowpack is mostly stable below 7,500 feet.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Mostly dry conditions are in store overnight and through midday on Monday as a transitory ridge of high pressure moves across the region. The next storm system is expected to begin impacting the area late in the day on Monday. Overnight lows in the mountains will remain in the upper teens before rising into the mid-20s in the afternoon. Westerly ridgetop winds will back to the southwest and decrease to 20 to 25 miles per hour.Dangerous avalanche conditions exist in the Teton and Southwest Trails forecast zones, and the general avalanche hazard is expected to remain Considerable on Monday. In the Tetons, skiers and riders could easily trigger small to large, recently developed wind slabs in leeward terrain above 8,500 feet, and small pockets of human triggered wind slab could be possible down south. In both areas, much higher consequences are associated with persistent weak layers buried deeply in the snowpack. On a variety of aspects above 7,500 feet, backcountry travelers could trigger large to very large, deadly slab avalanches failing on these weak layers. The snowpack below 7,500 feet has poor structure. If heavy snowfall or rain showers develop earlier than expected, small to large persistent slab avalanches could become a concern at the lower elevations.To the north on Togwotee Pass, skiers and riders have some potential of triggering large persistent slabs, and the hazard is expected to remain Moderate. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles or groups of people, are more likely to initiate one of these slabs, and previous tracks should not be taken as an indication of stability.

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