Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Triggering an avalanche around a foot deep that fails on buried weak layers is possible in steep, north facing terrain above 8,000’. Recent avalanches, shooting cracks, and collapses in the snowpack are obvious signs of instability. Move to low angle terrain if these signs are present.

Clearing skies and warm temperatures will increase the potential for wet avalanche activity on steep slopes that face the sun this afternoon. Caution is advised in sunny terrain if snow surfaces become wet.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak layers of snow including surface hoar and facets that formed during a month-long dry period in January were recently buried by about a foot of snow. Multiple soft slab avalanches involving these layers were triggered by riders in adjacent zones 48 hours ago. This is not currently a widespread problem in the Salt/Wyoming ranges, however, there are isolated pieces of very steep terrain where riders may be able to trigger a small avalanche. Sheltered north facing slopes are where this problem is most likely to be found, but other aspects cannot be ruled out given the spotty distribution of weak snow. Use caution if you are finding over a foot of recent snow on top of weak, sugary snow from January.

    Check out the recent avalanche activity in the Snake Rive Range here. 

    A snomobile triggered avalanche in the Snake River Range that occurred on 2/12. Triggering a slab like this is possible in isolated pieces of terrain in the Salt/Wyo Ranges.

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

  • Loose Wet

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

    Longer periods of sun and warm temperatures are expected this afternoon. There was still plenty of dry snow left on upper elevation south facing slopes yesterday afternoon. Wet loose avalanches involving this snow will become a concern if the sun makes a prolonged appearance this afternoon. Plan on moving away from sunny slopes if snow surfaces become wet.

Avalanche Discussion

A month-long dry period ended early this week as welcomed storms brought up to a foot of new snow to the Salt River and Wyoming Ranges. This new snow has settled and formed soft slabs that are sitting on a variety of surfaces that formed in January. Prior to this week’s snowfall, hard crusts existed on south facing slopes, wind hardened surfaces were present in exposed terrain above 9,500’, and faceted snow with patches of surface hoar could be found in shady sheltered terrain above 8,000’. The latter of those surfaces is most concerning now that it is buried. Not enough new snow has fallen in this zone to create much of a slab and therefore avalanche activity has been limited. Still, the potential to find the right recipe for an avalanche remains in isolated pieces of very steep north facing terrain. Careful evaluation of the snowpack and terrain is recommended before committing to steep consequential terrain.

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