Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Highlights

Triggering an avalanche large enough to bury you is likely today.  In some areas, you may remotely trigger a slab avalanche up to 3' thick from below or beside a slope. Ride cautiously and keep some distance between you and steep slopes.  

 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    A very weak layer of facets and surface hoar lies below the snow that fell since December 4th. In the deepest areas of the Salt and Snake River Ranges that layer is 24-26" below the surface. Areas exposed to wind loading may be deeper. This weak layer caused a number of natural and human triggered avalanches across our forecast areas yesterday. Some were triggered remotely with long, shooting cracks and collapsing reported on slopes not quite steep enough to avalanche. The warning signs are painfully clear that our snowpack is primed to avalanche.

    There are two other factors to consider today:   

    -Slopes that received any wind-loading yesterday will produce larger avalanches (3+ feet deep) that could also slide with a remote trigger, i.e. well above or beside you. 

    -Avalanche debris could "step down" into the deeper weak layer formed by the drought in November, created an even larger and more dangerous avalanche. Stepping down into that layer is more likely on slopes with a northerly tilt.

    Tomorrow, avalanche conditions are very likely to reach the point that travel anywhere near avalanche terrain, including groomed trails, should be avoided entirely. Enjoy the snow on slopes under 30 degrees today but be mindful of  slopes connected to areas that you are riding and overhead hazards like other snow machines. 

    (1/10/2024)

    This avalanche in the Tetons was triggered from a distance yesterday. You can expect avalanches like this or thicker today. 9300', NE aspect, D2 with 18" crown.

    Photo: Colin Wann

Avalanche Discussion

Note that the crusts and facets that weren't much of a problem on southerly slopes due to generally shallow snow depths are now a problem and added to the avalanche problem rose above. Snow depths are growing and with it the extent and distribution of avalanche problem number one. The long dry spells which affected the region were unusual and historic creating one of the worst snowpack that long-time locals have seen. Avalanche conditions are also probably unlike anything you've ridden in here so extra caution isn't just a good idea, it may save your life.

Please send us your observations or pictures if you get out today. All observations make for more accurate forecasts!

Regions covered