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Out of date — this forecast expired 10 years ago.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

Highlights

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning through 11 AM on Tuesday. Strong winds and moderate to heavy snowfall will create new wind slabs forming on dense snow and graupel. In steep, wind-loaded terrain, skiers and riders could trigger these slabs along with deeper wind slabs that formed over the past few days. Weak layers of faceted snow that formed in January can be found deeper in the snowpack, and slab avalanches could initiate on or step down to these layers. Melt/freeze cycles in the valley have helped stabilized the lower elevation snowpack. If valley rain occurs in the afternoon, the chance for wet slides will return. Deep hard slabs might still be a concern on high, north facing terrain. Monitor weather conditions, and avoid terrain that is being rapidly wind-loaded.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Moderate to heavy snowfall, along with increasing southwesterly ridgetop winds, will create new wind slabs in leeward terrain. As the day progresses, the hazard will increase as these slabs gain depth and volume. Skiers and riders venturing into steep, wind-loaded avalanche terrain could trigger these slabs with depths of 6 to 12 inches along with recently formed wind slabs ranging from one to three feet deep. Natural avalanche activity will also be possible.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    A slight chance continues for snowmobilers to trigger very large deep slab avalanches in isolated areas on northerly aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet. If triggered, these dangerous hard slabs could involve the full depth of the snowpack.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning beginning midnight on Sunday through 11 AM on Tuesday. Light snow showers will develop overnight before snowfall intensity increases during the day. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the mid teens before rising into the low 20s in the afternoon. Southerly to southwesterly ridgetop winds will increase to 30 to 40 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Considerable Monday morning and will increase during the day as high winds and snowfall create new wind slabs. These slabs, which could reach depths of a foot by Monday evening, will form on dense snow and graupel. Weak layers of faceted snow that formed in January are common below these slabs, and avalanches could initiate on or step down to these layers. The chance of triggering full depth avalanches lingers on northerly aspects above 9,000 feet in the Togwotee Pass and Greys River forecast zones.

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