Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

New snow and wind have made triggering an avalanche around a foot deep possible in wind loaded terrain at the upper elevations. Avalanches are unlikely below 9,000’. Watch for pockets of unstable wind drifted snow in very steep upper elevation terrain and give cornices a wide buffer.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The upper elevations of the Salt River and Wyoming Ranges received 7-10 inches of snow in the past 24 hours. Moderate winds out of the west have redistributed this snow and formed soft slabs around a foot deep in wind loaded terrain at the upper elevations. Skiers and riders have the potential to trigger a fresh wind slab avalanche if venturing into very steep terrain above 9,000’. Avalanches involving the newest snow will be small, but could catch someone off guard in consequential terrain. Be on the lookout for signs of wind loading and isolated pockets of unstable snow along upper elevation ridge lines, below cliffs, and in couloirs. Cracking within the new snow and recent avalanches are signs of unstable conditions. Move to lower angle terrain if these signs are present.

Avalanche Discussion

A passing storm brought a quick shot of snow to the mountains yesterday. The Salt Rivers were favored by snowfall and received up to 10 inches of new snow. About 6 inches fell in most other parts of the forecast zone. Snow showers tapered off by the afternoon and most weather stations showed an inch or two of settlement by evening. Overnight snow totals ended up being less than expected with the mountains only receiving another inch or so. There were reports of small (D1) soft slabs around 10,000’ in the Tetons, but little else in the way of avalanche activity. Another 2-4 inches of snow could fall today, yet this should do little to increase the overall avalanche danger. Wet avalanche problems are not likely to be a concern today given the relatively cold and mostly cloudy conditions that are forecasted. Still, it is April (!) and any periods of prolonged sun could destabilize snow surfaces. Triggering a small wind slab will be the primary concern in very steep upper elevation terrain today, but the likelihood of doing so should decrease as the recent snow settles. 

If you see avalanche activity today, please consider submitting an observation HERE. Observations allow everyone to gain a better and more complete understanding of conditions. Thanks!

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