Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago.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

Freshly formed wind slabs one to two feet thick will be easy for a rider to trigger today. These avalanches will be large enough to bury a person, especially above 8,500’ where old snow might add to the moving debris. Natural avalanches are possible and human-triggered avalanches are likely on slopes above 35 degrees.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Your chances of triggering an avalanche will increase significantly as slope angles steepen and terrain becomes wind-affected. Six to eight inches of new snow plus another four to six inches today will continue to be blown into slabs one to two feet thick. Look for signs of potentially unstable, wind-driven snow such as shooting cracks and drifts. You’ll find better riding and improved visibility below treeline along with less risk of triggering an avalanche. 

    Avalanche in steep wind loaded terrain at upper elevation, breaking into buried weak layers.

    Photo: BTAC

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–3

    Weak layers exist deeper in the snowpack. These layers are best preserved and weakest in higher, colder terrain especially on shady, north-facing slopes. These layers have not been active in the past 5 days but a chance of triggering remains, particularly above 9,000’ in very steep, alpine terrain. If triggered, these slabs could be two to four feet thick.

    Persistent slab avalanche 10,050, North, near Sheep Pass.

Avalanche Discussion

Winter has finally arrived in the valleys after a long hiatus. While the cold temperatures will ultimately help to make the recent snow less reactive, the active loading from new and wind driven snow falling today will not. New snow and wind slabs need some time to settle and bond, making today not the best day to push into steep, rocky or otherwise unforgiving terrain. You’ll find conditions on the ground vary significantly by elevation due to recent warm and wet weather so remember to dig frequently and look for weak layers in the snowpack. Firm, settled slabs and new snow can yield great turns but remember that weak, faceted layers still exist within reach of a skier or rider's weight.

If you are able to get out in the Salt or Wyoming Ranges, please share your observations here. Thanks!

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