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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning beginning at 6:00 AM for the northern portion of the forecast zone. After mostly stable avalanche conditions this morning, strong winds and snow will combine to form new pockets of dense wind slab in the mountains. As these slabs gain depth and volume, they will become more easily triggered in steep, wind loaded terrain. In the afternoon, the hazard could increase to Moderate above 9,000 feet. Monitor the developing slabs, and be willing to alter your travel plans if conditions warrant. Valley rain could also result in small wet slides at the lower elevations in the afternoon.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong southwesterly ridgetop winds and moderate to heavy snowfall will build pockets of wind slab on leeward slopes above 9,000 feet. These slabs are forming on a variety of snow surfaces which include crusts, wind pack and settled snow. Skiers and riders choosing to venture into steep avalanche terrain will be increasingly likely to trigger these slabs as the day progresses. By this evening, slab depths could reach 10 to 15 inches. Smaller, isolated pockets of slab could be triggered between 7,500 and 9,000 feet. Higher amounts of accumulation could occur in the Palisades resulting in larger slides.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Teton and Togwotee Pass forecast zones beginning at 6:00 AM on Saturday and continuing through 6:00 PM on Sunday. Cloud cover will increase overnight, and light snowfall will develop in the morning. As the day progresses, snowfall intensity will ramp up with the highest precipitation rates in the afternoon. By tomorrow evening, four to eight inches of new snow could accumulate up high. A mix of rain and snow will be possible in the valleys after midday. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the upper teens before rising into the mid-20s in the afternoon. Southerly ridgetop winds will veer to the southwest and increase to 20 to 30 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Low on Saturday. After mostly stable avalanche conditions in the morning, new snow and wind will slowly form isolated pockets of wind slab in the mountains. In steep, wind loaded terrain, skiers and riders could trigger these slabs with depths reaching 6 to 12 inches by tomorrow evening. Valley rain could also result in small wet slides at the lower elevations in the afternoon.

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