Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

It’s possible to trigger an avalanche in steep upper elevation, wind-affected terrain. Look for evidence of wind-loaded snow. If the sun comes out, watch for wet loose activity on steep south-facing slopes. Widespread crusts, frozen debris and receding snow at lower elevations are providing for challenging riding conditions.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Isolated wind slabs exist at upper elevations. Northwest winds have moved recent snow into soft slabs up to a foot thick in exposed, wind-affected areas. Approach steep wind-affected terrain with caution. Look for pillows, stiff drifts, and shooting cracks. Slabs will most likely be small but slick bed surfaces will facilitate further runouts and faster-moving snow. Consider the consequences of getting knocked off your feet above cliffs or other no-fall zones.

    Steep northerly slopes above 9500 feet hold up to a foot of unconsolidated snow. This may settle out today but watch for sluffing on slick crusts in this terrain.

    Similar conditions have produced avalanche activity over the past week. Give slopes with winded snow a wide margin, especially as the sun pops out today.

    (4/2/2024) Sheep Creek Peak. Photo: Mike Calla

  • Loose Wet

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

    Natural wet loose activity is unlikely today but not out of the question. Cool and cloudy weather yesterday kept the wet avalanche activity to a minimum. A similar forecast today may do the same. However, once that sun pops out, recent snow will shed on southerly aspects. Watch for changing surface conditions and rollerballs. Consider overhead hazard if traveling below steep southeast through southwest-facing slopes.

    (4/4/2024)

    A D1.5 wet loose avalanche. Wet loose avalanches often start at a point, near exposed rocks or trees, and fan out. 

    Photo: Cameron Galt

Avalanche Discussion

Unless you’re trying hard to find an avalanche, the biggest hazard out there might be challenging riding conditions. Adjust your movement and anticipate changing conditions to account for everything from soft conditions on shady aspects in the alpine to crusts, frozen debris, and a lower-elevation lack of snow that can easily sneak up on you as you exit the mountains. 

Help us improve avalanche forecasts! CLICK HERE to take an avalanche forecast survey and be entered into a prize drawing. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center, the Avalanche Research Program at Simon Fraser University, and the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research are researching how skiers, snowmobilers, snowshoers, ice climbers, and anyone else who travels in the backcountry interpret avalanche forecast information. Part of this research includes a specific survey to better understand how useful avalanche forecast information is for trip planning. Thank you for sharing your feedback to help us improve avalanche hazard communication. 

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