Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Triggering an avalanche 1-3 feet deep that fails on buried weak layers is a real possibility today. Wind affected upper elevation terrain and north facing slopes are most hazardous. Triggering an avalanche from a distance is not out of the question. Evaluate steep slopes carefully and give yourself a wide margin for error in avalanche terrain today.

Early season conditions exist. Being involved in an avalanche can result in significant injury due to rocks, vegetation and the ground lurking just below the snow surface.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak snow in the lower half of the snowpack exists in the majority of terrain above 7,500’. In the upper elevations, strong westerly winds have formed hard slabs up to 3 feet thick that lie upon this weak snow. Hard or soft slabs 1-2 feet thick in the mid elevations also sit on weak snow and can be triggered primarily in terrain on the north half of the compass. Avalanches are unlikely in the lower elevations except in isolated, steep pockets that harbor old weak snow below the surface. 

    Recent avalanches, cracking, and collapsing are obvious signs of unstable snow. These signs may or may not present themselves prior to triggering an avalanche today. Hard slabs in the upper elevations can break above a person and propagate long distances across slopes, making escape difficult. Remote triggers were reported in this zone as recently as December 20th. Because of this, it is worth considering the terrain that lies above you while traveling in the backcountry today. 

    Digging below the snow surface and identifying where weak snow exists can help you identify hazardous terrain. However, seeking out low angle terrain remains the best way to avoid an avalanche if you are uncertain about the structure of the snowpack where you are riding.

    A large slab avalanche observed near Comissary Ridge.

    (12/18/2024)

Avalanche Discussion

While the likelihood of triggering a large avalanche is slowly decreasing with time from the most recent storm (Dec 15-17) and following wind event (Dec 19), the possibility of triggering remains. Warm temperatures and strong winds have settled and stiffened the overlying slab to the point where obvious signs of instability may not be present as you travel. However, the weak snow near the base of the snowpack is only buried 1-3 feet deep in most locations and the weight of a single rider can still easily impact this weak layer. Triggering an avalanche from a distance remains a possibility, especially on a snow machine. On Friday (12/20), a rider outside of Alpine, Wy remotely triggered an avalanche as they were climbing a slope. The avalanche was relatively small, but funneled into a tight gully making for a bad outcome if the rider had been caught. It is a good reminder to be aware of the slopes that are above you and any potential terrain traps below you.

Slopes facing east through north through west held the weakest snow prior to the most recent storm. Some south facing slopes were bare ground prior to the storm with only the newest snow covering them now. These slopes hold a generally stable snowpack. The distribution of this weak layer is variable and requires either prior knowledge of the pre storm surface or digging down and testing/observing the snow pack layering. Practicing safe travel habits and evaluating the snowpack for instability will be important today. If you are unsure of the stability of the snowpack, then sticking to low angle (less than 30 degrees) terrain is the best way to avoid being caught in an avalanche.

Today's forecast of minimal snow amounts, light winds and mild temperatures are not expected to significantly change the avalanche danger.

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