Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Generally stable avalanche conditions exist as human triggered avalanches across the majority of terrain is unlikely. There still remains a slight chance of triggering a large avalanche in isolated areas. Identify very steep, rocky, and wind affected slopes that may contain a shallow, weak snowpack. Assess the snowpack if traveling in this highly complex terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2

    Weak layers formed in November are buried 2-3 feet deep below hard slabs. The likelihood of triggering an avalanche on one of these layers has decreased slowly since our last storm and is unlikely today. The slight possibility remains where the snowpack is particularly weak. These slopes could be found in heavily wind affected terrain with exposed rocks where the overlying slab is shallow and easier to impact the weak layer. Less complex slopes are less likely to trigger a large avalanche. 

    The snowpack has adjusted to the current load of snow for now. Keep these weak layers on your mind as more snow starting Wednesday will add stress and increase the reactivity of weak layers.

    Very steep, rocky, and wind affected terrain where persistent slab avalanches linger, although unlikely. 

Avalanche Discussion

Dry conditions have developed since our last large storm event 6 days ago. Over time, the snowpack has settled and been able to adjust to the new load. Warm temperatures and dense snow helped settle that storm snow into a hard slab. This hard slab has made it difficult to penetrate the weak, faceted snow in the bottom third of the snowpack. Yesterday, forecasters observed avalanches near Commissary Ridge that failed on this weak snow during the end of the last storm cycle. Review these avalanches to learn about where it would not be impossible to trigger a large, persistent avalanche. Remember that low danger does not mean no danger. 

A widespread rain crust on the snow surface exists across all elevations and aspects. This has created interesting riding conditions. Luckily, more snowfall is on the horizon Wednesday to improve riding quality. Expect avalanche conditions to increase as new snow will likely not adhere to the slick rain crust interface.  A couple of inches of snow possible today should not significantly change conditions.

Low snow coverage still exists across the majority of lower elevation terrain. Access to terrain is still difficult and potentially hazardous with plenty of obstacles below the snow surface.

Regions covered