Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

New snow and wind has created areas of unstable snow at all elevations. Triggering an avalanche up to a foot in depth involving the new snow will be likely in steep terrain. It will also be possible to trigger avalanches 2-4 feet deep in steep upper elevation terrain. Consequences of triggering avalanches at this depth are high and warrant conservative terrain choices.

An avalanche fatality occurred one week ago today on Togwotee Pass. Our sincere condolences go out to all those impacted by this avalanche. A full report is now available and can be viewed HERE.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Fresh wind slabs up to a foot in depth have formed over the last 12 hours. These slabs will be most sensitive in the upper elevations, where winds have deposited snow on the leeward sides of ridges and slopes. In the mid and lower elevations, expect slabs to also be reactive to the weight of a person and easiest to trigger in terrain over 35 degrees in steepness. Be on the lookout for shooting cracks and stiff, rounded or pillowed snow. When encountering these signs move to less steep terrain.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak snow that formed in early December sits 2-4 feet below the surface and remains a lingering threat today. Triggering an avalanche at this depth carries severe consequences. While it is becoming more difficult to trigger these deeper layers, it cannot be ruled out. Avalanches at this depth have been observed as recently as 4 days ago. Thin spots in the slab are the most likely spots to impact these layers. 

    Large triggers in the form of groups, snowmobiles, avalanches within the new snow or falling cornices will increase the odds of impacting these layers. Use safe travel practices in order to minimize your exposure to this problem. Travel one at a time across steep terrain, use islands of safety when stopped and communicate with your group members throughout the day.

    (1/9/2025)

    Natural persistent slab avalanche that likely failed 1/7 on weak layers formed early season on the ground. Slab depths ranged from 2-3'

    Photo: Alex Drinkard

Avalanche Discussion

The snowpack in the Salt and Wyoming ranges varies depending on location. The early season brought minimal amounts of snow and generally cold temperatures. This helped to form weak layers of snow close to the ground. Beginning in mid December, storms deposited snow and created slabs on top of this weak snow. These slabs now range between 2-4 feet in depth. Obvious signs such as recent avalanches, shooting cracks, or collapsing may not present themselves prior to triggering. With the passage of time it becomes more difficult to trigger these deeper layers. Despite this improving trend, it is important to keep this problem on the radar. Patience is key when dealing with a persistent slab problem and today’s approach should be no different than yesterday.

New snow instabilities will complicate matters today. This will be more prevalent in areas that received the higher end of new snow amounts exceeding 6” and moderate to strong westerly winds. Be aware that avalanches involving the new snow could be enough to impact deeper layers. Avoidance of these areas will be the best way to manage both avalanche problems today.

Regions covered