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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Moderate to heavy snowfall continued through the day on Saturday before diminishing overnight. Skiers and riders venturing into steep, wind loaded avalanche terrain at the mid and upper elevations are likely to trigger dense slab avalanches which could fail on density breaks within the recent snowfall or on old snow surfaces in terrain that held snow from October. The chance for natural avalanche activity is decreasing, but remains possible. The hazard will decrease with a drop in elevation as snow cover from October dissipates and the effect of the wind diminishes. Careful snowpack evaluation and a cautious approach to terrain selection will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain at the higher elevations. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,000 feet where little snowfall has accumulated.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Since Wednesday evening, the Southwest Trails area has received up to 30 inches of new snow containing around two and a half inches of snow water equivalent. Strong westerly to southwesterly ridgetop winds has accompanied this snowfall forming dense wind slabs in leeward terrain. Hard, old snow surfaces are present at the upper elevations and down to 8,000 feet on northerly aspects. Wind slabs failing on the old snow surfaces could reach depths of three feet. Failures within density breaks of the recent snowfall are also possible in leeward terrain above 8,000 feet.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A Winter Storm Warning remains in place until 5 AM on Sunday morning. Periods of moderate to heavy snowfall will continue this evening before beginning to decrease in intensity after midnight. Westerly ridgetop winds at 20 to 30 miles per hour will accompany this snowfall. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low to mid-teens before rising to near 20 during the day.The general avalanche hazard is expected to remain CONSIDERABLE above 9,000 feet on Sunday. Skiers and riders venturing into avalanche terrain could trigger dense slab avalanches ranging in depth from two to four feet. These slides could fail on old snow surfaces in partially to mostly shaded terrain that held snow from October or on density breaks within the recent snowfall. The hazard will decrease with a drop in elevation as snow cover from October dissipates and the effect of the wind diminishes.

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