Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
3 · Considerable
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Natural avalanches that are large enough to bury a person are possible in steep, low elevation terrain. Human triggered avalanches remain possible at ALL ELEVATIONS today especially within the Wyoming Range. Lingering wind slabs in the alpine will be difficult to identify due to poor visibility and fresh snow today. Monitor the effects of above freezing temperatures, and pay attention to signs of instability within wind affected snow such as cracking. 

Roof avalanches could pose a threat to humans today. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Lingering beneath a hard slab lies weak layers buried 2-3’. The Feb 18th layer is our main concern due to an increase in avalanches in the Wyoming Range(Shepard Creek, Hoback Peak). The Greys zone has a diverse snowpack nestled between each individual mountain range. The Salt and Snake River Ranges have not seen the uptick in recent avalanche activity or propagating results in stability tests. Our main focus is on the heightened avalanche danger in the Wyoming Range. Increased loading from this recent storm will add stress to these weak layers, especially in wind loaded terrain. Reported avalanches have been triggered remotely, and this potential will remain today. Avoid slopes over 30° and understand that large avalanches can be triggered remotely from gentler slopes above, below, or beside steep slopes.

    Many cornices are reaching their zenith for the season. Be aware that these large cornices often break further back than anticipated and can trigger unusually large avalanches for the given conditions. 

    (3/7/2023)

    This avalanche was triggered remotely by the skiers on the rib well to the right of the start zone.

    Photo: Dan Janjigian

  • Wet Slabs

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

    Weak snow that has lingered since the beginning of the season is WIDESPREAD on the low elevation sagebrush slopes and steep north-facing terrain throughout the advisory area. Last night's poor freeze and today's warming temperatures will combine to increase the likelihood of natural avalanche activity in steep low elevation terrain. Roof avalanches could also be a hazard. 

    (3/7/2023)

    This avalanche may have failed naturally though an animal trigger seems possible as well. 

    Photo: Brad Boner/JH News and Guide

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Stubborn wind slabs that are 1-2 feet deep exist on many aspects at upper elevations and will be covered with 3-5 inches of fresh snow by the end of the day. These slabs are primarily 4F to 1F in hardness and rest on top of fist-hard decomposing snow from the powder cycle prior to the most recent atmospheric river. Strong winds on Friday (March 10)  deposited snow below traditional start zones, especially in and around major cliff bands. 

Avalanche Discussion

2-3 inches of new snow to report for the Greys River Zone this morning. Temperatures currently sit around freezing  in the valleys and are in the upper teens on the peaks. 

Another atmospheric river event is on tap for today.  Another 1-3 inches of snow is expected throughout the day today with SSW winds in the 15-25 mph range.

Recent avalanche activity has involved wind slabs and persistent slabs that were size 1-2, including some avalanches that were remotely triggered from afar. 

From forecaster Drinkard:

Our focus shifts to the persistent slab problem found in the Wyoming Range. This area has experienced numerous large avalanches on the Feb 18th weak layer. Rapid loading of snow 3 days ago will stress this layer. Other areas are not as dangerous, as the Feb 18th layer is trending towards dormant in the Snake and Salt River Ranges. Unfortunately, we don’t want to count our cards quite yet and neglect the possibility of a persistent slab avalanche. Use careful judgment if recreating in the Wyoming Range as the combination of wind slabs with a persistent slab is a deadly combo. 

 

Regions covered