Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Since early yesterday morning, 10 to 15 inches of light density snow has fallen, and westerly ridgetop winds picked up overnight. With continued snowfall expected throughout the day, avalanche conditions will be dangerous above 8,500 feet. Skiers and riders are likely to trigger small to large wind slabs in steep, wind drifted avalanche starting zones, and natural activity will be possible. Loose snow sluffs involving the recent snowfall will also be likely in very steep terrain, and some potential remains for the release of a persistent deep slab avalanche. Expert terrain and snowpack evaluation will be required above 8,500 feet. Play it safe; excellent skiing and riding can easily be found in low consequence terrain. Below 8,500 feet, backcountry travelers could trigger small pockets of wind slab on very steep, wind loaded terrain features.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Westerly ridgetop winds are easily transporting the light density snow, and backcountry travelers are likely to trigger newly developed wind slabs with depths up to 30 inches in steep, wind loaded terrain above 8,500 feet. By this evening, up to 1.5 inches of snow water equivalent could be added to the wind slabs that formed last week, and avalanches involving these older slabs could be significantly larger. Natural activity could also occur. Below 8,500 feet, similar slab avalanches with depths of one to two feet could be triggered on steep, wind loaded terrain features.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    Persistent deep slab avalanches up to six feet in depth could be human triggered on weak faceted snow near the base of the snowpack. This persistent weak layer has been most active on northwest to northeast aspects above 8,500 feet but can be found on other aspects as well. These slabs could also step down from the release of a wind slab. Being caught in one of these dangerous slab avalanches could easily result in a fatality.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Light to moderate intensity snowfall will continue overnight and through the day on Sunday. Overnight lows will be in the low single digits before rising into the low teens in the afternoon. Southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds will range from 15 to 25 miles per hour. Cool temperatures, along with the absence of strong winds, should keep new snow densities on the lower end of the spectrum.On Sunday, avalanche conditions will remain dangerous in the higher elevations, and the general avalanche hazard is expected to be Considerable. Skiers and riders still have the potential of triggering recently developed wind slabs with depths ranging from one to four feet. Loose snow sluffs involving the most recent snowfall will also be possible in very steep terrain, and backcountry travelers might still be able to trigger a persistent deep slab avalanche. Don’t let the great skiing and riding lull you into complacency. Low consequence terrain should get a refresh overnight, and excellent turns can be found there. If you choose to enter steep avalanche prone terrain, make sure your route finding and snowpack evaluation skills are up to the task. At the lower elevations, backcountry travelers could trigger smaller pockets of wind slab on very steep, wind loaded terrain features. There, the hazard is expected to be Moderate.

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