Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
No rating
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Highlights

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning through 5 AM on Thursday. In the past 24 hours, the valleys have warmed up 40 to 50 degrees, and the mountains have risen 10 to 20 degrees. This rapid temperature increase is creating unstable avalanche conditions. At 7:45 PM last night, the Cow of the Woods slidepath in Hoback Canyon released naturally and put six to eight feet of snow on the road. Warming temperatures, new snowfall and moderate to strong winds will combine to increase the avalanche hazard at all elevations during the day. As the day progresses, new wind slabs will increase in depth and could be triggered by backcountry travelers or release naturally. At the upper elevations, skiers and riders could trigger a deep persistent slab. Heavy, wet snow along with the possibility of valley rain in the afternoon will also bring about the possibility of wet slides below 7,000 feet. Monitor weather conditions and be willing to alter your plans as dangerous avalanche conditions develop.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Moderate to strong southwesterly ridgetop winds in conjunction with new snow will build wind slabs in leeward terrain at all elevations. These slabs are forming on cold, faceted snow on all aspects; and on steep sunlit slopes, the faceted snow is underlain by sun crusts. Skiers and riders could trigger these slabs to depths of one to two feet by this evening. The likelihood of trigger these slides will increase with warming temperatures and new snowfall. Natural activity will be possible, especially later in the day and tonight.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    3

    Persistent deep slabs remain a concern in avalanche prone terrain on northwesterly to northeasterly aspects above 9,000 feet. A single skier or rider might still be able to trigger one of these destructive avalanches, which could have depths up to six feet. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles or groups of people, are even more likely to impact the persistent weaknesses near the base of the snowpack. Warming temperatures and snowfall will increase the likelihood of triggering these slides.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning beginning at 5 PM Saturday night and continuing through 5 AM on Thursday. Snowfall began to develop this evening and will increase in intensity overnight. Periods of moderate to heavy snowfall will continue during the day on Sunday. Mountain temperatures might decrease a bit overnight before topping out in the mid 20s during the day. Southwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 15 to 25 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE Sunday morning and will rise during the day as new snow, moderate to strong winds and warming temperatures combine to create new wind slabs. During the day or by the evening, the avalanche hazard could increase to CONSIDERABLE at the higher elevations, and skiers and riders could easily trigger these newly formed slabs with depths of one to two feet by nightfall. On shaded and partially shaded slopes above 9,000 feet, the likelihood of triggering deep persistent slabs will slowly increase as the storm adds weight to deeply buried weak layers. Monitor weather conditions and be willing to alter your plans if a rapid loading event occurs. There is also a chance for valley rain in the afternoon, which will be most likely in the southern portions of the forecast area. If this happens, shallow wet slides will become possible.

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