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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Periods of moderate to strong winds have transported new and recent snowfall onto leeward slopes in wind exposed terrain above 8,500 feet. There, skiers and riders skiers and riders venturing into steep, avalanche-prone terrain could trigger small to large wind slabs. Avoid slopes that have obvious signs of wind loading. The likelihood of triggering these slides quickly diminishes below 8,500 feet where less snow has fallen and the effect of the wind has been decreased.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Above 8,500 feet, skiers and riders could trigger recently formed wind slabs one to two feet in depth when entering steep, avalanche-prone terrain that has obvious signs of wind loading. The likelihood of triggering these slides will decrease with a drop in elevation where the snowpack has been less impacted by the wind. Sun crusts, areas of mildly facet snow and density breaks all present opportunities for slab failure. When evaluating the snowpack, determine the degree to which the recent snowfall is bonding to sun crusts, and examine the potential for failure on density breaks and faceted snow. Avalanche activity on the early February rain crust is becoming increasingly unlikely.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )On Monday, expect mostly cloudy to overcast skies and periods of light to moderate snowfall as the flow aloft backs to the southwest. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the single digits before rising into the low to mid teens in the afternoon. Southwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 15 to 25 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE on Monday. Above 9,000 feet, skiers and riders could trigger recently formed wind slabs one to two feet in depth when entering steep, avalanche-prone terrain that has obvious signs of wind loading. Below 9,000 feet, the threat of these slides quickly diminishes as the amount of wind effect decreases with a drop in elevation. On sunlit aspects, evaluate the degree to which the recent snowfall is bonding to sun crusts, and on shaded slopes look for density breaks and buried layers of near surface facets.

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