Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

The avalanche danger today will rise as a cold spring storm impacts the area. Overnight mountain stations recorded a couple inches of snow with 400 miles of wind from the southwest. As the day progresses human triggered wind slabs will become possible in leeward terrain - both off of ridgelines and on cross loaded features. During high precipitation rates this afternoon, storm slabs may become reactive to human triggers. Pay particular attention to how the new snow is bonding to the interface, you can do this by utilizing test slopes and recognizing any red flags while traveling in the mountains.  Southwest winds will increase through the day and will be strongest during periods of heavier precipitation. If you're traveling along ridgelines make sure to give cornices a wide margin given their weakness this time of year.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Steady winds from the southwest, that will be increasing throughout the day, and new snow will drive the wind slab problem. Slabs may grow up to 1-3 feet, primarily in leeward-facing terrain and various terrain features. Expect these to become more pronounced throughout the day, and you'll be able to identify wind slabs from their rounding and pillowing characteristics. Pay attention to how the snow is bonding to the old surfaces, this will provide feedback on how reactive wind slabs may become once they grow in size and pose a larger threat. Wind slab depths may become deep enough to injure a rider or push them into consequential terrain. 

    A photo from earlier this season highlighting possible wind slabs and poor bonding on the interface.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    The storm is forecasted to ramp up with high precipitation rates in the afternoon. During this time it's possible that storm slabs may develop. Snow doesn't like rapid change, and it will likely not react well during the peak of the storm when winds and snow coincide. You can avoid this problem by backing off avalanche terrain or waiting for the weather to subside - these problems typically settle out quickly post-storm. 

Avalanche Discussion

Many folks out there may be wondering how long this winter will last. I certainly am not complaining and will relish another cold storm and the chance for snow to fly up and around me as I arc downslope - we're all very lucky to be able to play in these mountains. In the spring it's easy to become complacent after such a long season, especially one, that up until recently, featured a challenging and complex snowpack. However, spring storms that come in with high precipitation rates and the chance for thunder when the cold front comes crashing through the warm air have, in my experience, always provided some reactivity during peak snowfall. Be cognizant of this today and minimize exposure if storm slabs become reactive through terrain choices, safe zones, and good travel techniques when moving through avalanche terrain. In addition to monitoring storm slabs, the winds will be transporting snow all day. These wind slabs will grow in size as the day wears on. Colder temperatures and snow seem to be with us this week, enjoy it and continue to be safe out there.

Regions covered