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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago.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

The snowpack remains unstable and dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Weak snow layers at the base of the snowpack that were covered by last week's significant snowfall event could fail to the presence of a single person and may release remotely. Two days ago a snowmobiler was fully buried on Togwotee Pass. He was uncovered by his party without injury. They were being conservative and did not think the terrain was capable of producing an avalanche. Yesterday, widespread collapse was observed and the first day of explosive work at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort produced many avalanches. Caution is advised in route selection today as avalanches can be triggered from below a slope, above a slope, or in treed areas. In terrain where the recent snow lies directly upon the ground, avalanches are not expected today.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Persistent weak layers, comprised of faceted snow and crusts, exist in terrain that held snow prior to Sunday November 24th. This terrain generally includes all but south aspects above 9,000 feet and northerly slopes down to 8,000 feet. Skiers and riders venturing into these areas are likely to trigger slab avalanches up to three feet in depth. To avoid this hazard, it is essential to understand where the old snow lies.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Wednesday is to be mostly clear and dry with temperatures in single digits at all elevations in the morning, rising into the twenties in the mountains and into the low thirties in the valleys. Ridgetop winds are to be southwesterly at ten to twenty miles per hour. The general avalanche hazard will continue to be CONSIDERABLE above 8500 feet and LOW below that elevation. In any higher terrain underlain by old snow, an unstable snowpack exists and skiers and riders have the potential to trigger slab avalanches in steep avalanche terrain. These slabs could release remotely while being approached from ridges above the slope or from flat terrain in their run out zones. Be aware that the lack of new snow has not significantly lowered the avalanche threat. Below 8500 or in any terrain where the recent snow lies directly on the ground, avalanches are unlikely except for in very steep, smooth terrain.

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