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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Highlights

Mountain temperatures increased overnight and are starting out around 10 degrees warmer than yesterday morning. Two avalanche problems confront backcountry users today. Skiers and riders could trigger small to large wind slabs in steep, leeward terrain above 7,500 feet. Persistent deep slabs also remain a concern on a variety of aspects above 7,500 feet. Warming temperatures throughout the day may increase the likelihood of triggering these slides, and any extended periods of sunshine in the afternoon could exacerbate these problems on sunlit aspects. To find good skiing and riding, seek out low angle terrain that is sheltered from the wind. Below 7,500 feet, skiers and riders could trigger isolated pockets of shallow slab in very steep, wind drifted terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds, warming temperatures, new snow and ample snow available for transport have all conspired to form wind slabs in leeward terrain. Since Thursday afternoon, 14 to 16 inches of snow has fallen in the mountains. Density breaks, sun crusts and buried surface hoar can all be found below these slabs. Skiers and riders could to trigger these one to two foot slabs in steep, wind-loaded terrain.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    The possibility continues for backcountry travelers to trigger persistent deep slab avalanches failing on faceted snow that developed during the December drought period. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles, are more likely to be able to impact this deeply buried weak layer. However, the weight of a single person could cause failure of this facetedlayer if a shallow trigger point is encountered. These slabs could propagate long distances, have depths to five feet and are likely to carry severe consequences to anyone involved.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Light to moderate intensity snow showers will continue overnight before beginning to taper off during the day on Sunday as a ridge of high pressure begins to move into the region. Overnight lows in the mountains will remain in the low teens before rising into the low to mid 20s in the afternoon. Southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds will range from 20 to 30 miles per hour.Strong ridgetop winds are expected to continue overnight, and daytime highs will be around 10 to 15 degrees warmer than Saturday. This scenario could lead to upside-down conditions. In the Tetons, where significantly more snow has fallen since Thursday, the general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE above 9,000 feet. There, skiers and riders could easily trigger newly developed wind slabs one to two feet deep in steep, leeward terrain particularly near ridgelines.Between 7,500 and 9,000 feet in the Tetons and above 7,500 feet in the Togwotee Pass and Southwest Trails forecast zones, the hazard is expected to be MODERATE. In these areas, persistent deep slabs remain the primary concern. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles, are more likely to be able to impact the deeply buried December drought faceted layer. However, the weight of a single person could cause failure of this weak layer if a shallow trigger point is encountered. These dangerous slabs, which could be up to five feet in depth, could also step down from the release of a smaller wind slab. With the exception of small, isolated pockets of soft slab, avalanche activity is not expected below 7,500 feet.

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