Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Dangerous large to very large slab avalanches may be triggered by skiers and riders above 7,500 feet. These slabs lie over a variety of persistent weak layers. The uncertainty with these layers continues to be a concern as they have produced several large avalanches this week. Although persistent slab avalanches are the primary hazard, backcountry travelers could also encounter small wind slabs along high ridges and wind loaded terrain features. Cautious route finding is essential to travel through the mountains today, and backcountry travelers should monitor the new snow as it increases the load on existing weak layers. Below 7,500 feet, avalanches are unlikely except in steep, isolated terrain features.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Although the snowpack structure is highly variable, the presence of these weak layers is widespread. These slabs could be three to four feet in depth and lie over a variety of crusts and weak faceted snow that formed during a prolonged dry period in early December. Since these problem layers lie deep in the snowpack, slopes could present as stable, and tracks should not be trusted as signs of stability.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )As pacific moisture moves into the region, light snowfall will develop overnight and continue into tomorrow. The snowfall is expected to favor the Tetons with three to six inches of accumulation and only one to three inches across the rest of the forecast area. Mountain temperatures will start in the single digits and then rise into the teens. Southwesterly winds will be light and veer to the west and then north by the evening. Above 7,500 feet in the Grey’s River/Southwest Trails and Teton forecast areas, dangerous large to very large slab avalanches could be triggered by skiers and riders, and the avalanche hazard is expected to remain Considerable. These slabs could be three to four feet in depth and lie over a variety of weak faceted snow. At Togwotee Pass, where there has been less snow this season, it is possible for skiers and riders to trigger persistent slab avalanches one to two feet in depth on steep, avalanche-prone terrain. Since these problem layers lie deep in the snowpack, slopes could present as stable, and tracks should not be trusted as signs of stability. Along high ridgelines and wind loaded terrain features, backcountry travelers could encounter small wind slabs that have recently been formed. Cautious route finding is essential to travel through the mountains and monitor the new snow as it increases the load on existing weak layers. Below 7,500 feet, where avalanches are unlikely except for on isolated terrain features, the avalanche hazard is Low.

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