Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Out of date — this forecast expired 11 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Snowfall over the past 36 hours combined with westerly to northwesterly ridgetop winds to create pockets of soft slab above 7,500 feet. These slabs could be triggered by skiers and riders in steep, wind-loaded terrain. The possibility persists for backcountry travelers to trigger deeper slabs that formed during the last storm cycle. A slight chance remains for these slabs to step down to faceted snow near the base of the snowpack above 7,500 feet. Careful snowpack and terrain evaluation followed by thoughtful decision making will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain today.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    During the last week's storm cycle, abundant snowfall and strong winds formed wind slabs on all aspects and elevations. These slabs lie on a variety of snow surfaces that developed during a dry period between Christmas and early January. Slab depths range from one foot at lower elevations to four feet at the higher elevations. The weight of a single person could trigger slabs in very steep terrain that had experienced significant wind loading.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Skiers and riders could trigger newly developed wind slabs one to two feet deep in steep, wind-loaded avalanche terrain above 7,500 feet. These slabs formed on slick sun crusts in sunlit terrain and dry, loose snow in shaded areas.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Light, scattered snow showers will continue overnight before diminishing during the day on Monday. Cloud cover will also decrease as the day progresses. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near ten degrees before rising into the mid to upper teens during the day. Westerly to northwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 10 to 20 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate on Monday. Skiers and riders could trigger newly developed wind slabs in steep, wind-loaded terrain. The chance remains to trigger deeper slabs that formed during the last storm cycle. These slides could be up to four feet deep. Faceted snow near the base of the snowpack remains a concern in the Togwotee Pass area. In the Tetons and the Greys River area, a slight chance persists for avalanche activity on these basal facets.

Regions covered