Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Triggering an avalanche on steep wind-affected slopes at upper elevations is possible today. While unlikely, riders could also trigger a large avalanche that fails on weak snow buried near the ground where the snowpack remains thin.  The danger is highest in steep, rocky, and wind-affected terrain. Evaluate this terrain carefully and watch for cracking in recently drifted snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Soft wind slabs up to a foot deep are possible at upper elevations and on many aspects. While small, these slabs could knock you off your feet in consequential terrain. Watch for recently drifted snow, dense pillows, and other signs of wind-affected snow. Evaluate steep exposed terrain carefully, especially around ridges and cross-loaded terrain features. Shooting cracks and hollow-sounding snow are sure signs of this problem. Seek out sheltered terrain to avoid this problem.

    (3/14/2024)

    Cracking snow surfaces, a sign of instability and wind loaded terrain. 

    Photo: Alex Drinkard

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–3

    Weak snow that formed in December persists at the base of the snowpack across the entire Greys River forecast zone. However, the thickness of the hard slabs that overlay this weak snow varies based on geographic location. In the middle and upper elevations of the Salt, Snake River, and deeper portions of the Wyoming Range, these weak layers are buried 3-5+ feet deep making it unlikely for a human to impact them. In shallow parts of the forecast zone, such as the far eastern side of the Wyoming Range, these slabs are only 2-3 feet thick making it more possible for humans to trigger avalanches on the buried weak layers. Shallow, rocky, and unsupported terrain on the north half of the compass is where you are most likely to impact weak layers. Keep in mind that a large trigger such as a cornice fall could trigger one of these very large avalanches, even in areas where the snowpack is deep.

    Identify thin areas in the Greys River zone as you ride. Probing or digging can provide useful information about the depth of the weak layers preserved at the bottom of the snowpack. This evaluation is critical if you are riding in a shallow part of the zone. A total snow depth of less than 5 feet (150cm) is a red flag.

    The last reported human-triggered avalanche involving deeply buried weak layers occurred on March 9th on the far eastern side of the Wyoming Range.

    (3/9/2024)

    The last reported human triggered persistent slab avalanche occurred on the far eastern side of the Wyoming Range.

Avalanche Discussion

A return to more winter-like temperatures has decreased the avalanche danger. Wet avalanche activity is unlikely as colder temperatures, mostly cloudy skies and a chance of snow dominate the short-term forecast.  Even with the unsettled weather this week, remember that if the sun pops out this time of year, it will only take a few hours to change surface conditions and moisten snow on southerly aspects.

As you ride, continue to identify terrain that warrants concern including steep wind-affected slopes and thin areas of the snowpack on northerly aspects where your chances of triggering an avalanche are elevated. If you find yourself in avalanche terrain where concerning slopes are in play, consider the consequence of getting caught and carried. Watch out for terrain traps.

 

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