Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Human-triggered avalanches are possible today. In the upper elevations wind slabs may grow from additional snow accumulation and gusty winds out of the SW. You are most likely to find this problem on leeward-facing slopes and terrain features. While unlikely, the uncertainty surrounding our buried weak layers (2-3' deep) must still be considered given the lack of colder temperatures. At low elevations triggering wet loose slides will be likely, especially if the snow is falling onto wet surfaces. Be mindful as you approach avalanche terrain of how the snow is bonding and use test slopes to gauge its reactivity. Watch for sagging cornices, while a hazard in themselves, they can also fail and trigger additional slides.

Avalanche problems

  • Wet Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–3

    A wolf in sheep's clothing, it's how a good friend and fellow forecaster referenced the lingering persistent slab problem. While it's unlikely, the unpredictability and uncertainty surrounding our buried weak layers (2-3' deep) can't be ignored and must still be considered. Today marks the first day of colder weather following consecutive days of warm temperatures and shallow refreezes. There likely still is free water in the snowpack, and while it will be lessened as things cool - locking things up in place, we're just not totally certain someone won't find the trigger point. Especially given superficial refreezes typically only affect the top 20cm of the snowpack. If you are traveling around this terrain pay attention to collapsing, two days ago I experienced a nerve-rattling corn snow collapse on Mt. Taylor, in the Tetons. The safest and best solution is to avoid avalanche terrain where these issues exist and give things a chance to cool off, and don't be fooled by wolf. This problem will likely be resolved after another cold night. 

     

    (4/8/2023)

    This D2 avalanche was observed on 4/8/23. The party noted multiple similar avalanches on SE-NE aspects, failing on one of the persistent weak layers in the top meter of the snowpack. Until the snowpack cools off substantially uncertainty around these layers remains high.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1

    While temperatures have finally begun to cool down, the lower elevations experienced several days without a substantial refreeze. That in combination with a spring storm - that has deposited both snow and rain down low - will likely lead to small human-triggered wet loose avalanches in steep terrain.

    (4/10/2023)

    Wet loose and wet slab avalanches on SW-facing terrain above Jackson at low elevations. 

    Photo: Antonioli

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Overnight snow totals varied from the east and west sides of the Tetons - 2'' at Rendezvous Bowl and 9'' at Chief Joseph, Targhee. Snowfall was less further south. Winds will be gusty today from the SW and will allow the formation of wind slabs throughout the day, possibly growing to 1 foot in size, primarily in leeward-facing terrain and various terrain features. With continued snowfall and wind, expect these to become more pronounced. Pay attention to how the snow is bonding to the old surfaces, this will provide feedback on how reactive wind slabs may become once they get larger and pose more of a threat. Wind slab depths may become deep enough to knock a rider down or push them in consequential terrain. 

    (3/21/2023)

    A photo from earlier this spring, that highlights small steep test slopes and reactive storm snow. 

    Photo: Drinkard

Avalanche Discussion

Just when you were dusting off your bike, a spring storm is on our doorstep. While most of the avalanche problems associated with it will be confined to the new snow and wind, areas where poor structure has been present like Togwotee Pass, the Greys, Wyoming Range, and the Hoback/Snake River Canyon still pose a threat for triggering wet slab avalanches given the lack of cold temperatures. As you travel through the mountains today, be mindful of how the new snow is bonding to the old surface and pay attention to increases in precipitation and wind speeds - with wind slabs potentially growing in size by the end of the day in the upper elevations. Utilize test slopes to gauge the reactivity of the new snow and practice safe travel techniques. 

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