Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Triggering a large avalanche that fails on weak snow buried 2-4 feet deep is unlikely, but carries high consequences. These avalanches are most likely in very steep, rocky, and wind-affected terrain. Evaluate complex terrain features carefully and practice safe travel habits in avalanche terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Weak layers of snow are buried 2-4 feet deep in the Salt River and Wyoming ranges. Triggering a large hard slab avalanche involving these weak layers has become unlikely, but is not impossible. A large natural avalanche involving these layers occurred on January 7th and is a good reminder of weak snow lurking below. Triggering a persistent slab avalanche is most likely in very steep, north facing terrain where the snowpack is thinnest. Thin spots (trigger points) include wind-scoured slopes, cliff bands, and rocky areas. Obvious signs of instability, such as collapsing and cracking, may not be present prior to triggering a large avalanche.

    Larger triggers such as groups, snowmobiles, or falling cornices, will increase the odds of impacting these weak layers. This avalanche problem is currently a low likelihood/high consequence scenario. Choosing terrain that reduces your exposure incase of an incident and remaining vigilant when traveling in avalanche terrain is important given this setup.

    (1/13/2025)

    This photo from the Wyoming Range is an example of where you can trigger persistent weak layers. 

Avalanche Discussion

Snow depths vary across the Salt River and Wyoming Ranges with the shallowest areas being found in the far eastern side of the zone. In general, shallow snowpacks tend to be weak snowpacks. A shallower snowpack also means that the slab above the persistent weak layers is thinner and easier to trigger. While it is possible to travel over a significant amount of steep terrain in this zone without incident, it is important to understand that persistent slab problems are tricky and stick around longer than we would like. The weak layers buried near the ground are becoming less reactive as the days pass without significant weather, but we are not quite out of the woods yet. For the time being, it is wise to fight complacency and not let your guard down in avalanche terrain.

Want to learn more about how triggering a persistent slab avalanche from a thin spot works? Check out this sweet video made by a seasoned avalanche professional.

Also, please consider submitting an observation HERE. Observations allow everyone to gain a better and more complete understanding of conditions. Thanks!

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