Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Human triggered avalanches remain likely today. Weak layers of sugary faceted snow are still buried 1-3 feet across most aspects and elevations. Use conservative decision making to avoid steep slopes and be aware that these avalanches could be triggered from a distance.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Persistent weak layers formed in November are buried in the snowpack across all aspects and elevations. Slab depths above these layers are 1-3 feet. The middle and upper elevations contain firm cohesive slabs, while the lower elevations generally lack the firm slab quality. The characteristics of these layers vary by aspect. Observations from the last week have seen a consistent trend of more reactivity on east aspects. Areas with higher amounts of new snow or wind slabs will increase the sensitivity of triggering these persistent weak layers.

Avalanche Discussion

Although signs of instability and recent avalanche activity have slowed over the last couple days, the possibility of triggering a persistent weak layer still lingers. These buried weak layers in the Greys area are more reactive compared to our other forecast zones. Northerly aspects contain surface hoar and near surface facets while southerly aspects contain well developed facets beneath melt freeze crusts. Both of these varieties are dangerous in combination with a firm cohesive slab. Triggering an avalanche remotely remains possible, so carefully evaluating terrain and maintaining large margins of safety near steep slopes is advised.  

Snowfall amounts varied yesterday, with the southern portion receiving 3 inches overnight. In addition, steady moderate winds were out of the southwest. Increased loading of new snow today as well as potential wind loading will stress the persistent weak layers. This could be more problematic in areas with a shallow snowpack and more sensitive persistent weak layers.Carefully reevaluate terrain for wind deposition and increased amounts of new snow to avoid triggering an avalanche. This snowpack contains a complex structure that will require patience and respect especially during periods of rapid changing snow, wind or temperature. 

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