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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The avalanche danger is Moderate above 8,000 feet. Weak layers buried 1-3 feet below the surface hold the potential to produce avalanches large enough to bury a person. It remains possible to trigger these large and dangerous avalanches. This avalanche problem is difficult to assess. Look for it by digging down to check for loose, sugary snow grains. Avalanches will become easier to trigger as temperatures warm above freezing today. Cornices are also beginning to weaken as temperatures rise so consider the impact of a cornice fall above you. Expect shallow wet loose avalanches in steep terrain by mid-day. Use safe travel techniques such as traveling one at a time, using islands of safety and communicating your plans clearly in order to minimize your group’s exposure to all of these hazards. Below 8,000 feet the danger is Low with shallow wet, loose avalanches likely.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    January and February were dry months. During this time weak layers formed throughout the forecast area. In the month of March a series of storms built up slabs that in some cases have been large enough to activate those weak layers without a human trigger. These weak layers are between 1-3 feet deep. Several avalanches reported in the past week were large and unsurvivable. One avalanche triggered by a snowmobiler over the weekend in the Sheep Pass area resulted in a partial burial. See the Avalanche Event Map on this website for more detailed info. This avalanche problem is more likely to be encountered in steep terrain above 8,000 feet, on the north half of the compass and in terrain that avalanched in early January.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Gradual warming from the high March sun will test the strength of the snowpack this week. Sun and slightly warmer temperatures tomorrow could lead to further small wet loose avalanches and perhaps some cornice failures. Larger or more dangerous avalanches one to three feet thick could be triggered tomorrow where a slab sits over the weak January layer, either on a repeater or an area with a thinner snowpack. Human triggered avalanches of this type will remain possible at upper elevations in the Southwest Trails area as well as the Tetons. Both areas will remain Moderate at upper elevations due to concerns with this weak layer. Avalanches in Togwotee Pass have become unlikely so expect Low avalanche danger there. In all lower and middle elevation zones and even some sunny aspects or rocky areas at upper elevations, expect small, wet avalanches and be wary of cornices overhead.

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