Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Dangerous conditions exist. Riders and skiers could easily trigger large to very large slab avalanches that will likely be un-survivable, and natural avalanches are possible. Backcountry travelers should stay off of and out from under steep slopes, and large avalanches could run long distances into lower elevation terrain. The Grey’s River forecast zone covers an expansive area, and if higher than forecasted snowfall occurs in some locations the hazard could increase to High. Backcountry travelers should monitor conditions today, and conservative route-finding and decision-making are essential.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    Since the end of January, significant snowfall has added to the slab depth that lies over weak faceted snow. This snowpack is not to be trusted, and above an elevation of 7,500 feet, a single person could trigger a slab avalanche 4 to 8 feet deep. Below 7,500 feet, backcountry travelers could trigger slab avalanche 2 to 4 feet deep on steep avalanche-prone slopes, and these slides could also have severe to deadly consequences.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Moderate wind speeds have easily transported light density snow onto leeward slopes, and the new snow is slightly upside-down as temperatures have warmed several degrees since it started snowing yesterday. Soft slabs at the snow’s surface and dangerous sluff will be easily triggered about 3 feet in-depth and could then trigger larger avalanches. Monitor the change in wind direction this afternoon as this could quickly cross load slopes and increase the hazard in new areas.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )In a westerly flow, pacific disturbances are expected to bring moisture to the forecast area tonight and into tomorrow. Snowfall should increase overnight with 8 inches in the Tetons and 5 inches in the other forecast areas by the morning. Then tomorrow steady snowfall is expected to last into the afternoon. Mountain temperatures should range from 10 to 20 degrees and westerly to northwesterly ridgetop winds will be 15 to 30 miles per hour. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist in all the forecast areas. The hazard is expected to be Considerable and depending on the intensity of the storm could increase to High in some areas. In steep avalanche terrain, backcountry travelers could easily trigger slab avalanches 3 to 6 feet deep, and natural avalanches will be possible. Although the deep slab avalanches are the main concern, newly formed surface slabs will likely develop on leeward slopes and if triggered could initiate the failure of a large slide. It will be important to monitor conditions and wise to avoid avalanche terrain.

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