Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Over a foot of new snow and wind have created dangerous avalanche conditions above 9,000’. Triggering an avalanche large enough to bury you is likely in steep terrain on most aspects. These avalanches may be triggered from a distance or below and could surprise you. Cautious route finding and sticking to low angle slopes will be essential today.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    The Salt and Wyoming Ranges have received just over a foot of new snow in all elevation bands over the past 36 hours. On most aspects, the new storm snow is sitting on top of weak, old snow. Triggering a soft slab around a foot deep is likely in steep terrain today. Given the rapid loading of new snow and poor structure sitting below, it will be possible to trigger these slabs from a distance or below. Remote triggers were reported in the northern Slats yesterday. You are most likely to find this problem in steep terrain that is sheltered from the wind. Wind slabs (see below) will be found in exposed and windy terrain. Cautious route finding around avalanche terrain and sticking to low angle slopes (less than 30 degrees) will be important today.

    (12/15/2024)

    Remotely-triggered soft slabs of new snow on N aspects of Prater Canyon around 9,000'. 

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Moderate winds out of the west have redistributed the new storm snow and formed sensitive slabs above 9,000’. Triggering a dangerous avalanche 1-2 feet deep in steep, wind affected snow on all aspects is likely today. These avalanches may also be triggered remotely, from a distance or below. Slabs will be most sensitive where you see evidence of wind loading such as textured surfaces or smooth pillow features. Cracking or hollow sounding snow is a good indicator that you have found unstable wind drifted snow. Sticking to low angle terrain and avoiding obvious avalanche paths and runouts is recommended.

    Remotely-triggered soft slabs of new snow on N aspects of Prater Canyon around 9,000'. This terrain has been affected by wind.

    (12/15/2024)

     

Avalanche Discussion

The storm and wind slab avalanche problems listed above may have slightly different characteristics and locations, however, the overarching avalanche hazard today is simple. Rapid loading of new snow on top of weak snow equals avalanches. This is the first time that the weak and shallow early season snowpack present in the Salt River and Wyoming Ranges has been tested. Be prepared for surprises if traveling in the backcountry today. With another storm incoming this afternoon, it will be wise to give steep terrain a wide margin and enjoy recreating in low angle terrain. Snow depths are still shallow, and many hazards are lurking just below the surface. The chances of hitting buried rocks or stumps remain high and even a small slide can have serious consequences given the shallow conditions.

Please consider reporting avalanches or field observations here. Your observations help us get a better handle on snow/avalanche conditons and make for more accurate forecasts. Thanks!

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