Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 12 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The general avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE above 9,000 feet and MODERATE below 9,000 feet. Two avalanche problems confront skiers and riders today. First, newly created soft slabs could be triggered in steep, avalanche starting zones. Second, persistent slabs could be triggered directly by skiers and riders or step down from the release of the new soft slabs. Use a conservative approach to terrain evaluation, and come home to your friends and family this holiday season.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow, combined with light to moderate winds, have created soft slabs six to 18 inches deep on leeward aspects at all elevations. Backcountry travelers are likely to trigger these slabs in steep, wind-loaded terrain at the upper elevations. These slabs will be less likely to trigger with a decrease in elevation where wind becomes less of a factor. Increasing wind and continued snowfall will add depth and volume throughout the day.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    At the upper elevations, faceted snow lies upon wind pack and sun crusts formed during the early December dry period. There, skiers and riders might be able to trigger persistent slabs up to an additional three feet.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Snowfall will begin this evening, with the heaviest snowfall occurring between 9 PM tonight and 3 PM Christmas day as a cold front moves from the northern portion of the forecast area to the south. Strong southwesterly ridgetop winds will veer to the northeast as the front passes. As the day progresses, snowfall intensity will decrease and become lighter in density. Ten to 15 inches of new snow could accumulate by Thursday evening.The general avalanche hazard could increase to CONSIDERABLE on Christmas Day if forecasted snowfall amounts materialize. New surface slabs will develop overnight and into Thursday. Backcountry travelers could trigger these slabs in steep, wind-loaded starting zones above 7,500 feet. At the upper elevations, skiers and riders might be able to trigger persistent slabs up to three feet deep failing on surfaces from the early December dry spell.

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