Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering an avalanche large enough to bury or injure a rider is likely in steep terrain today. Wind loaded slopes are most dangerous, but avalanches are also possible in steep terrain that is sheltered from the wind. Conservative terrain choices will be crucial in avoiding avalanches today.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Heavy snowfall and strong wind over the last 6 days have created unstable conditions. Triggering a slab 1-4 feet deep in the recent snow is likely in wind loaded terrain in the middle and upper elevations today. Avalanches have the potential to break farther and wider than expected due to a well connected and hard sliding surface in the middle of the snowpack. Shooting cracks and audible collapses are clear signs of unstable conditions. However, these signs may not be present before triggering. Give all steep terrain a wide berth and be aware of steep slopes above you today.

    Wet snow avalanches are possible below 8,500’ due to recent rain and above freezing temperatures.

    A large recent avalanche in heavily wind loaded terrain. 

    (12/20/2025)

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–3

    Weak snow that formed in November sits near the base of the snowpack. While triggering an avalanche at these layers is low on the likelihood scale, the potential exists for avalanches failing in the upper portion of the snowpack to be large enough to break through the Dec 10th crust and create very large avalanches.

Avalanche Discussion

The heightened avalanche hazard today is the direct result of heavy loading from a series of powerful storms. These storms began six days ago and have formed slabs 2-4 feet deep above a stout rain crust that formed on December 10th. This rain crust now lies buried in the middle of the snowpack across all aspects up to 10,000’. Initial bonding between the Dec 10th crust and the new snow from this past week was good. Temperatures were mild and the snow was able to adhere to the crust. However, the snowpack is being pushed to its limit and the weakest layers are likely to fail. This could happen at mid storm interfaces, or deeper, near the December 10th crust. Where avalanches are breaking right now is not that important. What is important is that avalanche conditions are dangerous and any slide that is triggered has the potential for a bad outcome. The feet of snow that the mountains have received will ultimately be beneficial for stability, but the snowpack is going through rapid change right now and needs time to adjust. A lull in precipitation is expected today before another round of snow on Wednesday. As a result, expect avalanche hazard to plateau today and increase late tomorrow and Thursday. 

If you are able to get out in the Salt or Wyoming Ranges, please share your observations here. Thanks!

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