Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The potential to trigger a large avalanche on buried weak layers exists where snow has been preserved since November. The highest likelihood will be on steep slopes that are shaded and rocky where thin, weak spots in the snowpack are more reactive. Ride lower angle terrain while these layers continue to adjust to the current load.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    The persistent slab problem exists in locations where snow has been preserved since November forming a weak layer that is now buried 1.5-3 feet deep below firm, cohesive slabs. In general, this weak, sugary snow structure exists above 8500’ and will be most reactive on shaded aspects (NW-N-NE). As this problem trends more stubborn adjusting to the current load, the possibility still exists to trigger an avalanche. The best way to manage this problem is to choose terrain away from steep, rocky, and complex slopes where you are most likely to encounter those thin and sensitive areas of the snowpack. Riding across one of those thin, sensitive areas could collapse the weak layer and trigger a large/destructive avalanche. 

    Significant variability in the snowpack exists throughout the zone between the Wyoming, Salt, and Snake River Ranges. Submit an observation to help us tune into your local area and improve our forecast ability.

    (12/21/2023)

    Here is a good example of the terrain where triggering a persistent slab is most likely. These avanches occured during out last storm cycle. 

    Photo: Alex Drinkard

Avalanche Discussion

As dry weather persists, folks out in the mountains (including myself) are going to be drawn to those shaded northerly aspects where the best snow conditions exist. The tricky part is that this is also where the persistent slab problem is most relevant. The good news is that you can still ride those shaded slopes safely, just as long as you stick to that lower angle terrain. Plan and think about the terrain you will be traveling in today to avoid those consequential slopes. Identify terrain traps, such as creeks and gullies, and create wide buffers away from steep, rocky slopes where shallow areas can be triggered more easily.

This persistent slab problem is becoming trickier by the day. Unlike other avalanche problems, the time it takes for this problem to go away can be long and drawn out. There’s also a false sense of security attached to these problems as avalanche activity decreases and stability test results increase. But the potential still exists and should not be ignored. If you value your time in the mountains, you should value the unpredictable nature of these types of avalanches and continue to play it safe.

In addition snow coverage remains thin, so be aware of obstacles lurking just beneath the snow surface.

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