Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 10 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Conditions remain dangerous. Human triggered avalanches are likely and natural avalanche activity is possible. Cooler temperatures have decreased the potential for wet slide activity at the lower elevations. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route finding and conservative terrain choices are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong southwest to west winds have formed dense surface slabs on leeward aspects. These slabs lie upon buried snow surfaces that were faceted during several days of bitterly cold temperatures, suncrust and areas of wind-packed snow. These slabs are likely to be easily triggered by skiers or riders who venture into steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones and cliff areas. These slabs are expected to be two to four feet deep. Natural avalanche releases are possible.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    At the upper elevations strong winds and new snow continue to increase the load on deeply buried persistent weak layers. Destructive deep slab avalanches that could involve the full depth of the snowpack could be human triggered or release naturally today.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A prolonged and relatively warm and wet storm cycle will continue. Snowfall will occur overnight and into the day. Additional accumulations of up to ten inches are likely by tomorrow evening. Temperatures will be cooler. Teens and 20s are forecast for the mountains. Valley temperatures are anticipated to be in the 20s. Winds will be from the southwest to west at 25 to 35 with gusts to 45 miles per hour. Dangerous avalanche conditions will continue to exist in the mountains. Slab avalanches one to three feet deep are likely to be easily triggered by humans and could release naturally. Deep persistent slab avalanches, which could involve the entire depth of the snowpack are a serious hazard in north facing upper elevation avalanche terrain. Cooler temperatures will begin to decrease the wet slide avalanche hazard at the lower elevations. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE at the lower elevations and HIGH at the upper elevations. The avalanche warning issued by the avalanche center will be allowed to expire at 9 PM this evening.

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