Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Triggering a large, destructive avalanche remains possible on weak layers buried 2-4 feet below hard slabs in the middle and upper elevations. To manage this problem, identify and limit exposure to complex terrain containing rocky, wind affected slopes over 35° steep where these avalanches are most probable. Look for stiffened snow on wind loaded terrain where smaller avalanches 1-2 feet deep are also possible. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak layers near the bottom of the snowpack are persisting below hard slabs 2-4 feet deep. This problem is most prominent on shaded aspects on the northerly half of the compass (NW-N-NE aspects) that have harbored weak snow the longest. All slopes highlighted in the aspect/elevation diagram above should remain suspect as these avalanches can behave in unpredictable patterns. Obvious signs of instability such as collapsing may not be present. Despite the lack of clues, remember it is still possible to trigger large, dangerous avalanches. Identify areas that remain the most suspect on rocky, unsupported, and wind affected slopes over 35° steep. These slopes contain thin, sensitive trigger points where it is easier to impact the buried weak layer, initiate a collapse, and cause an avalanche that can travel far across or upslope.

    Avalanches are unlikely in lower elevations as most slopes were bare early season. 

     

    (1/9/2025)

    Natural persistent slab avalanche that likely failed 1/7 on weak layers formed early season on the ground. Slab depths ranged from 2-3'.

    Photo: Alex Drinkard

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recent snow combined with moderate wind of varying direction has formed stubborn slabs up to a foot thick in the upper elevations. Slabs up to 2 feet deep could be found in isolated terrain. These slabs have formed in less common areas due to the opposing wind (NW-N-NE), in combination with predominant westerly winds last night continuing today. Identify areas with wind stiffened snow and move to more sheltered terrain if you encounter signs of instability such as large drifts, cracking, and rippled surfaces or ‘hollow-sounding’ snow. Use extra caution if you find wind loaded terrain that matches the same distribution of aspects and elevation as the persistent slab problem. Triggering a wind slab could step down to deeper weak layers. 

    (1/9/2025)

    Natural avalanche that occured on wind loaded terrain. Notice the change in texture across this slope, with large pillows and rippled surfaces. 

    Photo: Alex Drinkard

Avalanche Discussion

Identifying Terrain

The Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) classifies terrain into five categories based on the avalanche characteristics: Non-avalanche, Simple, Challenging, Complex, and Extreme. As we highlight in avalanche courses, the best way we can manage avalanche problems is to choose the type of terrain we enter. Right now we have a persistent slab problem across the forecast area. Over time without additional stress of snow or wind, these buried weak layers become harder to trigger. The main reason for this is the overlying slab is generally getting deeper and harder, so impacting those weak layers is difficult. Now the problem is that there are thin, sensitive areas where you could trigger a large to very large avalanche. The terrain you are most likely to find that trigger point is in complex or extreme terrain. These categories of terrain are generally exposed to a lot more wind causing variable snow depths, and hold much more avalanche prone terrain (steeper). You can simplify managing our current persistent slab problem by staying out of complex or extreme terrain. The more you enter those categories of terrain, the higher your odds are of finding that thin, trigger point. Do you want to lower your odds or increase your odds of triggering a large avalanche? Stack the odds in your favor and choose your terrain wisely. Identify terrain based on slope angle and communicate where you are going with your partners. Avalanche conditions will eventually improve, so it’s best to be patient and wait until the right conditions to start riding more complex terrain. 

Complex: Exposure to multiple overlapping avalanche paths or large expanses of steep, open terrain. Sustained exposure to overhead hazard. Many avalanche starting zones and terrain traps with minimal options to reduce exposure.

Extreme: Exposure to very steep faces with cliffs, spines, couloirs, crevasses or sustained overhead hazard. No options to reduce exposure and even small avalanches can be fatal.

Our sincerest condolences go out to everyone in the community influenced by the recent avalanche fatality this week. A detailed observation of the incident  can be veiwed here: Radio Tower Peak.

 Please consider submitting an observation HERE. Observations allow everyone to gain a better and more complete understanding of conditions. Thank you to everyone who has submitted observations this season!

Regions covered