Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Shallow wind drifted slabs will be possible to trigger avalanches on wind loaded terrain in the upper elevations. Look for signs of wind loading such as large pillows, rippled surfaces, or shooting cracks. Although far less likely, weak layers buried 2-4 feet deep remain a concern for triggering large avalanches in terrain with a weak and shallow snowpack on very steep, complex terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong west/northwest wind over the last 72 hours has formed shallow wind slabs less than 12 inches deep. These stiff wind slabs have been easy to trigger the last several days and will linger today as they lie on weak interfaces. Although small, these wind slabs could knock you off your feet or machine. Only a couple more inches of snow combined with moderate wind are expected today. Larger slabs will be found above the treeline and more likely off ridgelines or around confined features like couloirs. Seek terrain sheltered from the wind if you encounter signs of instability.

    (1/23/2025)

    Shooting cracks and rippled snow surfaces indicate signs of instability on wind loaded terrain. 

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Weak snow is buried by hard slabs 2-4 feet deep. The odds of triggering a persistent slab avalanche have decreased over time. Unfortunately these weak layers require a long time to heal. Although unlikely, it is not impossible to still trigger a persistent slab avalanche. Shaded, northerly slopes over 35° steep that contain thin, sensitive areas in the slab are the most likely places to impact buried weak layers. Thin spots usually exist around complex, rocky, and wind-affected terrain.

    Areas that contain a shallower and therefore weaker snowpack is where persistent slab avalanches are more of a concern. The Wyoming Range contains shallower snow depths than the Salt River Range. Stability tests are still showing unstable results despite the lack of recent avalanches. Lower elevation terrain lacked snow during drought conditions in December when persistent weak layers formed. 

    (1/13/2025)

    This photo from the Wyoming Range is an example of where you can trigger persistent weak layers. 

Avalanche Discussion

The Story Persists

Today a quick weather system impacts the forecast zone moving north to south. Only a few inches of snow are expected by the end of the day combined with west/northwest wind around 20 mph on ridgetops. Old wind slabs along with fresh wind drifted snow lie on weak interfaces formed from the last week of dry conditions. Near surface facets and crusts are scattered across the mountains, providing an easy surface for new snow avalanches to move on. Although small in depth, these avalanches can travel far cross-slope as we’ve seen this last week. 

The spatial variability of snow depths and persistent weak layers across this zone is large. The odds of triggering a persistent slab are increased on isolated terrain features where the weak layers are buried 2-3 feet deep. Areas where the persistent weak layer is buried 3-4 feet deep, such as upper elevations or many parts of the Salt River Range, will be even more unlikely. Your odds of triggering an avalanche are slowly decreasing, but each day is only incrementally safer than the last. The last reported cycle of persistent slab avalanches occurred January 7th. The buried weak layers are slowly gaining strength. Remain vigilant traveling through avalanche terrain in areas that contain a weak and shallow snowpack. The best way to identify these areas is to probe for snow depths or look for low snow coverage where rocks or vegetation are still showing.  Identify complex terrain where avalanches are more likely and look out for terrain traps where unsuspecting slopes can have serious consequences.

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