Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The avalanche danger is Moderate above 8,000 feet. Weak layers buried 1-3 feet below the surface hold the potential to produce avalanches large enough to bury a person. The likelihood of triggering these avalanches is possible and the consequences remain high. This avalanche problem is difficult to assess and deserves respect. Isolated pockets of wind slab may be triggered in steep upper elevation terrain. Below 8,000 feet the danger is Low. In the lower elevations expect shallow wet loose avalanches in steep terrain in the afternoon. Follow safe travel protocols by traveling one at a time, using islands of safety and communicating your plans clearly in order to minimize your exposure.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    January and February were dry months. During this time weak layers formed throughout the forecast area. In the month of March a series of storms built up slabs that in some cases have been large enough to activate those weak layers. These weak layers are between 1-3 feet deep. Several avalanches reported in the last week were large and unsurvivable. One avalanche triggered by a snowmobiler over the weekend in the Sheep Pass area resulted in a partial burial. Fortunately this person was unharmed. See the Avalanche Event Map on this website for more detailed info. This avalanche problem is more likely to be encountered in steep terrain above 8,000 feet, on the north half of the compass and in terrain that avalanched in early January.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )High pressure has moved into the region. Skies will be clear tonight and sunny tomorrow. Overnight low temperatures will be in the low teens at 10,000 feet and mid to high teens in the valleys. Tomorrow temperatures will rise into the high twenties at ridgetop level and mid to high thirties in the valleys. Winds will be out of the northwest and north at 15-20 mph.In the Southwest Trails forecast area the danger will remain Moderate above 8,000 feet. Persistent slab avalanches 1-3 feet deep will be possible to trigger in steep terrain. Avalanches triggered at these depths will be large enough to bury a person. Isolated pockets of wind slab may be encountered in upper elevation starting zones and be difficult to trigger and small in size. In the Teton forecast area the danger will also remain Moderate above 8,000 feet. The likelihood of triggering persistent slab avalanches will be lower than in the Southwest Trails, but the consequences will be the same. Lingering pockets of wind slab may also be encountered in steep upper elevation terrain.On Togwotee Pass the danger will be Moderate above 9,000 feet. Persistent slab avalanches 1-2 feet in depth will be possible to trigger in very steep terrain.Below 8,000 feet in the Southwest Trails and Teton forecast areas and below 9,000 feet on Togwotee Pass the danger will be Low where avalanches will be unlikely with shallow wet loose avalanches being the exception.

Regions covered