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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The snowpack is generally stable and avalanche activity is unlikely, with the exception of steep wind loaded slopes at the upper elevations. This hazard will be found in areas like the Palisades that received more snow during the last storm. It will be possible to trigger these small avalanches today above 9,000 feet, and backcountry travelers should be aware of exposure and terrain traps where small slides could have higher consequences.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Overnight, ridgetop winds were sustained in the upper teens and twenties with gusts in the thirties, and light density snow has been transported onto leeward slopes forming shallow wind slabs. Along high ridges, wind slabs less than a foot in depth could be triggered and will be more sensitive while slopes are being actively loaded. Lookout for specific wind loaded features in high elevations that have collected large amounts of snow throughout the season. These areas could contain potential wind slabs that are difficult to predict.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A ridge of high pressure over the western US will bring dry weather through the weekend. Overnight, a temperature inversion will form with valleys reaching -13 and the mountains ranging from -10 to -5 degrees F. Tomorrow skies will be mostly sunny, and the inversion should break with valleys warming into the twenties and mountains into the teens. Winds are expected to be light from the westerly to northwesterly. Across all three forecast areas, the avalanche hazard will be Low and avalanche activity is expected to be limited to small slides on very steep terrain. Shallow wind slabs of less than a foot in depth could be found above 9,000 feet on wind loaded slopes. As the day warms, sheltered sunny aspects could be affected by solar radiation and result in small loose snow slides. These avalanche problems will be small, so backcountry travelers should be mindful of terrain traps and carry rescue gear. At the mid and lower elevations, avalanche activity is unlikely. In the Tetons above the forecasted area of 10,500 feet, the avalanche hazard may be heightened due to the potential of a bit larger and more reactive wind slabs.

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