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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

New snowfall, available snow and strong winds have loaded leeward slopes and stiffened wind slabs. Mountain temperatures are also starting out 5 to 10 degrees warmer than yesterday morning, and up-side-down conditions have developed. In steep, wind loaded terrain above 8,500 feet, skiers and riders could trigger small to large wind slabs. These slabs could become more susceptible to failure as temperatures warm and periods of sunshine heat up snow surfaces. Monitor temperatures and the impact of the sun, and transition to shaded terrain if snow surfaces start to become affected. The snowpack is mostly stable below 8,500 feet, and avalanches are unlikely.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Since Friday afternoon, 16 to 32 inches of new snow containing up to 2.5 inches of snow water equivalent has accumulated with the Salt River Range being favored over the Wyoming Range. Strong southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds accompanied this snowfall, and wind slabs have formed in leeward terrain. Backcountry travelers could trigger these slabs to depths of one to four feet on steep, avalanche prone slopes. These slabs could fail on density breaks with in the recent snowfall. In terrain that held snow from October, the chance for triggering these slabs will be greater and the consequences will be higher. In these areas, anchors are being covered, and old snow surfaces near the base of the snowpack provide potential failure zones.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Periods of light to moderate snowfall will continue overnight before the jet stream moves north and a drying trend begins on Monday. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low 20s before rising to near freezing during the day. Southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds will range from 15 to 25 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Considerable at the higher elevations in the Tetons on Monday. In steep, wind loaded terrain above 9,000 feet, skiers and riders could trigger slab avalanches with depths ranging from one to four feet. In the Togwotee Pass and Southwest Trails forecast zones, where storm totals are less, the general avalanche hazard in the mountains is expected to be Moderate. There, similar slab avalanches up to three feet deep could be triggered on steep, avalanche prone slopes. In all the forecast zones, the likelihood of triggering a slide will be highest in terrain that held snow from October. Take this into account when evaluating the snowpack and terrain.As the Grand Targhee Resort prepares to open on Friday, the mountain will be closed to uphill travel beginning on Monday.

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