Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. You are most likely to trigger an avalanche on steep wind-loaded terrain. Additionally, there is a possibility of triggering an avalanche on buried weak layers 1- 4 feet deep. Carefully evaluate the snowpack, and use conservative decision-making around steep terrain. Continued snowfall and wind will make triggering more likely as the day progresses.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Yesterday the Salt and Wyoming Ranges received 7 - 8 inches of snow with an additional 4-8 inches of snow forecasted for today. This new snow combined with moderate winds has formed slabs 1-2 feet thick on middle and upper elevations. Expect these slabs to grow larger as snow and west-southwest winds continue today. At low elevations, expect to encounter isolated pockets of slabs up to 1 foot thick on steep terrain. You are most likely to trigger a wind slab near ridgelines, on exposed leeward slopes, or on mid-slope terrain features such as gullies. Watch for obvious signs of instability such as cracking or collapsing, and avoid steep slopes with signs of wind-loading. Cornice growth and pillows are clear signs of wind-transported snow. 

    Signs of wind transport. Small pillows were created in an open meadow at 8000'. 

    Photo: Cameron Galt

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    While triggering a persistent slab avalanche is less likely, weak layers buried 1-4 feet below the snow surface remain. Although the last reported persistent slab avalanche was one week ago, today’s continued snowfall will increase the likelihood of triggering an avalanche - particularly on north-facing slopes at middle and upper elevations where winds have deposited additional snow loads. Watch out for obvious signs of instability such as cracking or collapsing (whoomphing). Use a wide safety buffer and conservative decision-making around steep slopes to address the uncertainty. 

    (12/20/2024)

    This avalanche was remotely triggered up Murphy Creek near the Stewart Massive ~8300' on a NE aspect on 12/20. 

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Storm systems will continue to impact the Salt and Wyoming Ranges bringing consistent snowfall and winds. Combined with yesterday's storm totals, expect increased avalanche activity today. Be aware that instability in the snowpack may increase as additional snow falls today and into tonight. Additionally, expect slabs to grow in size as these storms continue. Over the past week, many of the weak layers formed in early December have shown signs of low reactivity. This may change as additional loads are added to the snowpack. Knowing when or if these layers are going to reactivate is difficult to know. For now, it's best to assume we will see activity on these layers, and make conservative decisions around slopes that harbor old weak snow. 

Use safe travel practices when moving through the backcountry today. Pay close attention to your surroundings and know that conditions are constantly, and potentially rapidly changing as the day progresses. Today is a good day to step back and take time to examine the snowpack. New snow is expected for days to come, so staying up to date on how the snowpack is reacting will be a high priority.  

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