Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

The snowpack is unstable on steep slopes and therefor avalanche conditions are dangerous. Thick slabs comprised of recent snowfall sit upon layers of weak faceted snow. Large to very large slab avalanches are likely to be easily triggered on steep slopes. Today's sunshine and warm temperatures will be increasing the hazard and the potential for snowmobilers and skiers to trigger these dangerous avalanches and for them to release naturally. If released these dangerous slab avalanches are likely to run long distances and be un-survivable. Monitor conditions for increasing hazard and plan to avoid steep avalanche prone slopes and their run out zones.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    The Southwest Trails’ snowpack has poor structure, and backcountry travelers could easily trigger destructive persistent deep slab avalanches on a variety of aspects and elevations. Daytime warming will increase the likelihood of triggering these slabs in sunlit terrain, and natural activity will be possible as temperatures heat up. These deadly slabs could also step down from the release of a wind slab. Slab depths are likely to range between 4 and 8 feet above 8,000 feet and 2 to 4 feet below 8,000 feet. Remember, previous tracks are not an indication of stability with a persistent deep slab problem.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    On steep, wind loaded slopes above 8,000 feet, backcountry travelers could trigger wind slabs with depths ranging from 1 to 2 feet. The likelihood of triggering these slabs will increase as the day warms. Natural activity is possible, especially during the warmest portion of the day.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Skies will remain mostly clear as a high-pressure ridge continues to build into the region. Temperatures will be warmer and rise into the 20’s and 30’s in the mountains. Winds will be light at 10 to 15 miles per hour from the west to southwest.In the Togwotee Pass and Greys River areas the snowpack remains unstable. Large to very large avalanches could be easily triggered by humans, especially those on snowmachines, and could release naturally. These dangerous slides could be four to eight feet deep and may be triggered on steep slopes with previous tracks. Although these large and destructive slides could be triggered during the morning hours, sunshine and warming temperatures will be increasing the potential for these slides to be human triggered or release naturally as the days warms The general avalanche hazard is expected to be considerable and increasing in these areas.In the Teton area the potential for deep slab avalanches to occur is not as likely as the other areas. However dangerous deep slab avalanches 4 to 8 feet in depth are still a possibility, especially during the warmest portion of the day. Surface slab avalanches 1 to 3 feet deep could be triggered by skiers and riders on steep avalanche prone slopes in the early morning hours. As the day progresses and conditions get warmer these surfaces slab and wet snow slides will become likely on steep avalanche prone slopes. In Grand Teton National Park large slides could shed off hanging snowfields and overhanging slopes and impact backcountry travelers. The general avalanche hazard in the Tetons is expected to moderate in the early morning hours and increase to considerable. Monitor conditions for increasing hazards and plan to stay off and out from under steep slopes before significant warming occurs.

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