Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Watch for avalanche danger to increase by the afternoon as wet loose avalanches will be likely on W-S-E aspect slopes facing the sun, especially around rock features. Pay attention to snow surfaces becoming wet, slushy, and easy to sink into as a clear indication of recent snow destabilizing.  

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Another clear, sunny day is expected that will destabilize recent snow within the last 48 hours making wet loose avalanches likely by the afternoon if skies remain mostly clear. These avalanches will occur on slopes facing the sun. East facing slopes will warm first followed by south and then west. Expect to see increased avalanche activity around rock features that heat up surrounding snow surfaces.

    These avalanches start at a point and can entrain large amounts of snow and push into terrain traps. Recent snow sits on a poor crust interface meaning that these avalanches could move quickly and catch you off guard. The best way to manage this problem is to monitor sky weather and warming snow surfaces. Steer clear of slopes where you easily sink into wet, slushy snow. Seek shaded and cooler slopes by the afternoon.

    (4/12/2024)

    Wet loose avalanche from a previous warming cycle. 

    Photo: Alex Drinkard

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday snow surfaces began warming on E-S aspects around 11:00 as wet loose avalanches encompassing recent snow were easy to trigger on steep slopes. Temperatures last night dropped to the teens in the middle and upper elevations. The higher you travel in elevation, the more recent snow you will encounter and wet loose avalanches will be larger. The Snake and northern portions of the Salt River Ranges received more recent snow where wet loose avalanches will be also be larger. Solar influence becomes stronger and heats snow surfaces faster the later we get into Spring. In addition, there could be some lingering wind slabs in isolated terrain on shaded northerly slopes that did not experience the large temperature fluctuations yesterday. Temperatures are forecasted to increase into the weekend. Plan your travels accordingly to avoid steep slopes facing the sun by the afternoon this weekend. Wet avalanche activity will remain the primary concern. Even small wet loose avalanches can have poor outcomes on consequential terrain.

BTAC will be issuing the final daily avalanche forecast on Saturday, April 20th but will continue with General Snow and Avalanche Information Bulletins  as needed or two times per week into May. We will update the 24 Hour Weather Summary (Big Sheet) daily until June 1st.

Regions covered