Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist in very steep terrain in the mid and upper elevations today. Hard slabs 2-4 feet thick can be triggered, even after multiple tracks have been put on a slope. Avoid being on or under avalanche paths as the consequences of being caught could be severe.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3

    Hard slabs 2-4 feet thick continue to pose a significant threat to riders and skiers. These slabs have the potential to release and produce large avalanches today. This was illustrated yesterday, when skiers triggered a large avalanche on Prater Mountain on a SW aspect at 9,500 feet. Similar events have occured over the last week, including incidents invloving avalanche burials. Avalanches are becoming more difficult to trigger with the passage of time since the last loading event. Obvious warning signs such as shooting cracks and whoompfing are becoming less common. Despite these facts, it remains necessary to be suspicious of all steep terrain on all aspects in the mid and upper elevations. Give yourself and your group a wide margin and avoid exposing more than one person at a time if traveling on or below avalanche terrain.

    (1/27/2024)

    A large skier triggered avalanche occured within the last 36 hours on Prater Mtn in the Salt River Range. Observer saw tracks to crown/flank and tracks in bed surface.

    Photo: Eric Taft

Avalanche Discussion

A well preserved layer of weak snow sitting under 2-4 feet of hard slab continues to pose a threat throughout the forecast zone. This weak layer of snow formed during the month of December and was buried gradually over the course of the last three weeks. This gradual accumulation allowed for that layer to remain intact across large expanses. The continuous nature of the weak layer combined with a stiff slab is what is allowing for wide propagation and large avalanches. The slab is strong enough in many areas to hold the weight of a rider or group. There are trigger points, such as thin spots in the slab and steep convexities, where avalanches are more likely to occur. Do not let the presence of tracks or the lack of avalanche activity lure you into being complacent. This snowpack setup does not heal quickly. Exercising patience beyond what is considered “normal” is necessary during this period.

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