Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Very dangerous avalanche conditions will continue today due to recent heavy snow and strong wind combined with rapid warming temperatures today. Travel in and around avalanche terrain steeper than 30° is not recommended due to the unpredictable nature of very large avalanches occurring naturally or remotely triggered from flat terrain connected to steep slopes.

 

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3.5

    Hard slab avalanches failing over 4 feet deep will be possible. A few notable avalanches were reported last week in the upper elevations that potentially failed on the weak snow preserved since November. These events were not verified up close. What really matters is that very large avalanches will be possible as these weak layers are seriously stressed by rapid loading yesterday and warming temperatures today.

    (1/16/2024)

    This avalanche failed much larger than it did a few weeks ago. The crown depth indicates that it involved the deeper weak layers from November. Avalanches will be even larger today.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    2–3

    Historically dry conditions in December formed a widespread weak layer across all elevations and most aspects. Rapid loading of new snow with strong west wind yesterday resulted in very large natural avalanche activity. Warming temperatures today will also increase the reactivity, where human triggered avalanches are almost certain. These avalanches will be hard or soft slabs 2-4 feet deep in middle and upper elevations propagating across slope wide distances. Slabs 1-2 feet deep will be found in lower elevations. 

    Remote triggering these avalanches from gentle terrain above, below, or to the side of steep slopes is likely. The unpredictable nature of these avalanches can catch you off guard, as these avalanches could even fail on treed slopes or occur naturally on steep terrain above you. Stay away from runout zones of large avalanche paths and terrain connected to steep slopes. Simply put, travel on avalanche terrain above 30° is not recommended.

    (1/13/2024)

    Remotely triggered persistent slab avalanche in Squaw Creek. NE aspect 8900' 

Avalanche Discussion

Rapid Warming

Yesterday areas favoring the most snowfall received 16-21” of snow with strong westerly wind 40-60 mph with gusts to 80 mph. Rapid warming temperatures hitting 32°F today will make the snowpack come unglued as avalanche activity remains likely. This is the first significant warming trend in over a week. A total of 42 avalanches were reported over the last week. Most of which failed on buried weak layers. You better believe these weak layers will be reactive today due to rapid warming. Any avalanche terrain over 30° will be very dangerous. Don’t let the desire to ride deep powder snow cloud your judgment. Unfortunately backcountry travel in and around avalanche terrain is not recommended. Stay safe as the snowpack adjusts to rapidly changing conditions.

Regions covered