Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering an avalanche is possible today, where fresh wind drifts have formed in areas of favored snowfall (portions of the Salt). If the sun pops out, loose snow avalanches could occur on very steep slopes as the day warms. Generally stable conditions exist on slopes protected from the wind and sun. Exercise caution in the backcountry & continue to give terrain near or under cornices a wide buffer. 

 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The new snow and north winds have formed fresh drifts at middle and upper elevations. You will most likely encounter this problem in areas of favored snowfall, which ranged 2-8" (favoring Willow Creek & extending into the Salt portion of the zone). While many of these may be relatively small and isolated, they could be enough to knock you off your feet or machine. Fresh wind slabs will be most common in upper-elevation terrain. They'll be relatively easily identified by signs of surface wind texture or snow that feels thicker or denser, and may become more reactive if the sun makes an appearance. 

    Loose Snow: New snow fell on top of various crusts extending to every aspect at low elevations and present on sunny slopes in the middle and upper elevations. Today's forecasted temps should remain cooler, the winds breezy, and there should be more cloud cover in this zone. However, it is worth noting that any sunshine could cause the new snow to come unglued from these crusts and form relatively small sluffs. These could occur naturally as the day warms up—pay attention to the terrain around you.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–3

    Weak layers of snow are buried 3-4 feet deep in the Salt and Wyoming Range. Triggering a large hard slab avalanche at these depths is unlikely. Instability is most likely found in very steep, north-facing terrain where the snowpack is thin. Weak spots (trigger points) include wind-scoured areas, hanging snowfields above cliffs, and rocky terrain. Larger triggers, such as groups, snowmobiles, or falling cornices, will increase the odds of impacting these weak layers. Choosing terrain that minimizes consequences and remaining vigilant if traveling in complex avalanche terrain continues to be a good call. 

    (2/25/2025)

    Large, natural persistent slab avalanche that failed on a very steep, rocky and unsupported slope near Smoot. 

Avalanche Discussion

If you are recreating in an area that received less snowfall yesterday, expect not to encounter Problem #1, and find generally safer new snow conditions. That said, regardless of your location, continue to use extra caution around cornices, which—thanks to our snowy February—have grown very large. Many observers have noticed cracks near larger cornices where these beasts peel away from steep ridgelines. Stepping through or cutting a track through the surface snow near one of these cracks can lead to a feeling akin to having the rug pulled out from under you. Exercise caution in the backcountry with all hazards (not just snow hazards): make a plan before heading out, carry the appropriate avalanche safety equipment, and remain alert for unexpected conditions.

 

 

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