Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

It will be possible to trigger avalanches 2-3 feet deep in very steep terrain today. Avalanches involving more recent snow are possible and will be confined to isolated pockets of wind slabs 1 foot or less deep in very steep upper elevation terrain. New snow and wind in the afternoon will not be enough to increase the danger. In the lower elevations avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets in very steep terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Slabs overlying weak layers buried 2-3 feet deep remain possible to trigger on very steep slopes over 35°. Signs of instability such as cracking, collapsing, or recent avalanches may not be present before triggering a large, dangerous avalanche that is capable of propagating far across or upslope. Multiple tracks on a slope do not indicate that a slope is stable. Stick to lower consequence terrain away from terrain traps and rocky, convex, very steep slopes today.

    A large wet slab avalanche was reported to have occurred 2 days ago naturally on an East aspect at 8500 feet in Dry Creek in the Salt River Range. This avalanche likely failed at an interface involving a persistent weak layer and occurred during the heat of the day. With overnight cooling and increasing cloud cover today, expect this type of avalanche to be less likely but not impossible. This avalanche is an example of a persistent slab problem. The potential trigger today would more likely be a large group or cornice impacting a slope rather than heat and sunshine.

    (2/20/2025)

    This photo depicts one specific type of terrain where the persistent slab problem is relevant. 

    Photo: Alex Drinkard

Avalanche Discussion

Today’s avalanche problems primarily involve weak layers in the middle of the snowpack. Storms between Feb 14th and 19th deposited 4-5 feet of snow throughout the Salt and Wyoming ranges forecast zone. This added significant stress to underlying weak layers. In the past 4 days, the snowpack has had some time to adjust to this load. This translates to a gradual decreasing trend of avalanche activity. Despite this trend, it remains possible to trigger an avalanche at these depths. The likelihood of triggering increases as the slope angles increase and when large triggers (groups, multiple snowmobiles) hit thin spots in the slab. Thin spots exist on the boundaries of terrain that have been impacted by the wind and are more problematic when the snowpack connects to thicker slabs within that same terrain. In periods of improving stability, it remains important to follow safe travel practices despite a lack of general avalanche activity. Travel one at a time in steep terrain, avoid stopping in the runout of avalanche paths and communicate with your partners throughout the day.

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