Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Buried weak layers within the snowpack continue to pose a threat to backcountry travelers.  The likelihood of triggering large avalanches involving these layers has decreased slightly, however conditions remain fairly sensitive. A single person can still trigger an avalanche as they approach a slope or after a slope has several tracks on it. Avoid steep terrain where cliff bands or rocks may provide areas of shallow coverage. Recent snow can also be released as shallow wind slabs at the high elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2.5

    A chance continues for a single person to trigger large, hard slab avalanches. These slabs could have depths of two to five feet at the upper elevations, depths to three feet at the mid elevations, and depths to 18 inches at the low elevations. Involvement in an one of these types of avalanches is likely to carry dire consequences. Keep in mind that these slabs could break high on a slope when first entering it or when a weak point is impacted mid-slope. 

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Shallow wind slabs with depth of 4-10 inches lie in steep avalanche terrain at the upper elevations. These soft slabs were formed by west winds. Backcountry enthusiast should look for signs of wind loading and watch out for areas where even a small slide could carry someone over a cliff edge or into a terrain trap.

Avalanche Discussion

Weak layers lie within the snowpack. The most prominent layer was formed during the dry period in November, however more recent weak layers can also be identified. In the Southwest Trails area these weaknesses are more prominent and sensitive than in the nearby Teton forecast area. The lowering of the danger rating from Considerable to Moderate is simply due the fact that slabs have become slightly less sensitive and natural avalanches are unlikely. Make no mistake that human triggered slides remain a real possibility in steep avalanche terrain in the Snake River, Greys, and Salt River Ranges.  Make conservative terrain decisions and getting out a shovel and looking at the snowpack can help to identify the presence of these well preserved weak layers.

The mid-week storm that had very strong winds provided for a period of instability in the upper portion of the snowpack. Slab avalanches involving this recent snow have become unlikely except in extreme terrain as the snowpack has now adjusted to it. Yesterday the snow from the previous 24 hours was active above 8500’ where wind and increasing temperatures resulted in very sensitive soft slabs with depths of 4-8 inches in very steep terrain. These slabs will be less sensitive today but could still be triggered as new snowfall accumulates and temperatures continue to rise.

The crew at B-TAC wishes all a Happy and Safe Christmas Day and Holiday Season. 

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