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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist above 8,000 feet. Numerous large to very large persistent slab avalanches released naturally or were human triggered on Friday in the Tetons. Skiers and riders venturing into terrain that had an existing snowpack prior to Thanksgiving are likely to trigger similar slides. Involvement in one of these avalanches could easily have a fatal outcome. Recently developed wind slabs, with depths of one to two feet, could still be triggered by backcountry travelers in steep, wind-loaded terrain, and these smaller slides have the potential to step down and release a deeper persistent slab. Expert snowpack evaluation and conservative terrain choices will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain. Below 8,000 feet, skiers and riders might be able to trigger a small, isolated pocket of soft slab in very steep avalanche starting zones.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak, faceted snow persists near the base of the snowpack on slopes that held snow prior to Thanksgiving. Last week’s storm cycles added a substantial load to these weak basal layers, and backcountry travelers are likely to trigger these slabs with depths of three to five feet. While the likelihood of triggering these slabs is decreasing, the consequences remain the same. These avalanches could easily kill you or someone in your party. They are breaking high into lower angle terrain, running long distances and can also be remotely triggered. Remember, previous tracks are not an indication of stability with a persistent slab problem.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Above 8,000 feet, skiers and riders could trigger recently developed wind slabs up to two feet deep in steep, wind-loaded starting zones.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Expect partially clearing skies overnight before cloud cover increases during the day on Sunday. A few isolated snow showers may be possible in the mountains, but any accumulations should be minimal. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near zero before rising into the single digits during the day. Northwesterly ridgetop winds will back to the west at 10 to 20 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard at the mid and upper elevations is expected to be Considerable on Sunday. Persistent slabs will remain the primary threat. Skiers and riders could easily trigger these large to very large slabs in steep terrain that held snow prior to Thanksgiving. While the likelihood of triggering these slabs is decreasing, the consequences remain the same. These slabs are likely to be three to five feet deep in the Tetons and Southwest Trails area, and two to four feet deep in the Togwotee Pass forecast zone. If you are caught in one of these slab avalanches, a fatal outcome is likely. Recently developed surface slabs, with depths on one to two feet, could still be triggered by backcountry travelers in steep, wind-loaded terrain, and they have the potential to step down and release a deeper persistent slab. Expert snowpack evaluation and conservative terrain choices will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain. At the lower elevations, skiers and riders might be able to trigger an isolated pocket of soft slab in very steep avalanche starting zones. There, the general avalanche hazard is expected to be Low.

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