Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Triggering a large avalanche 2-5 feet deep is possible on steep middle and upper-elevation slopes. Watch for thin rocky areas and wind-affected snow. Slopes facing the north half of the compass hold weaker snow. Evaluate steep slopes carefully and watch for terrain traps. The consequences of getting caught in a large avalanche remain high. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    The persistent slab problem exists at all elevations and is most easily found on west through north through east aspects. Steep, rocky or wind-affected terrain should be approached with caution. Thin areas in the snowpack are where you are most likely to impact buried weak layers currently 2-5 feet below the surface. The depth and structure of the snowpack varies in the Greys River zone, and the best way to verify the location of weak layers is to dig or probe. The deeper the weak layer, the less likely you are to impact it with your sled or skis. When in doubt, choose lower-angle terrain and watch out for large slopes above you that could avalanche and run further than you expect.

    Cornices are growing and can break unexpectedly. Large cornices can act as large triggers and impact very deep weak layers. Warming temperatures can increase the triggering sensitivity of both cornices and slabs. Minimize time spent on slopes with cornices looming overhead. 

    (2/17/2024)

    This large avalanche was triggered by the second rider on a slope up Sheep Creek in the Snake River Range at 9,500 feet on an E aspect.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Snow and wind from last week formed wind slabs 1-2 feet thick on a variety of aspects at upper elevations. These slabs are several days old and the likelihood of triggering a wind slab is decreasing. Watch for stiff pillows and drifts around exposed terrain such as ridges, rocky areas, convexities and gullies.  Shooting cracks and collapsing indicate unstable snow beneath you. Small avalanches can easily knock you off your feet above consequential features like cliffs and terrain traps. Travel in sheltered terrain to avoid this problem.

    Small wind slab avalanches have the potential to step down and impact deeper weak layers which could result in a large avalanche.

    (2/18/2024)

    The visual ripples in the snow surface and old drifted-in avalanche crown illustrate where some areas saw more wind, and any drifted or winded snow holds a higher potential for triggering an avalanche. 

    Photo: Gabrielle Antonioli

Avalanche Discussion

A lot of ground is covered in the Greys River forecast zone. You can assume a deeper snowpack if you're riding in the Snake or Salt River mountains.  In the Wyoming Range or Hoback however, there is less snow. In general, a deeper snowpack buries our persistent slab problem and makes it more difficult to impact weak layers. Last week's snow helped to bury the February 2nd weak layer further and we are now several days out from a significant natural avalanche cycle and avalanche observations are trending down. However, the snowpack is still adjusting and it remains very possible to ride over a thin spot and trigger an avalanche.  

These conditions warrant a particular mindset. Large areas have more uncertainty and as a result, require a bigger safety margin. As you ride, build that margin with decision-making around avalanche terrain. Give large avalanche slopes above you plenty of room. Anticipate where the wind has stripped and loaded exposed terrain features knowing that it's easier to trigger an avalanche there. Look below you consider the consequences if you are caught in an avalanche. If the hairs are standing up on the back of your neck, default to lower-angle sheltered slopes.

 

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