Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The snowpack has persistent weak layers. Cohesive snow lies over these weaknesses and human triggered avalanches are possible , particularly above 7500 feet. Careful evaluation of the terrain and snowpack continues to be warranted. Below 7,500 feet, the snowpack is weak but lacks an overlying slab, making avalanches unlikely except in isolated areas.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    Poor snowpack structure is widespread in the Southwest Trails forecast area. Basal facets, near surface facets, surface hoar and crusts all persist persist in the snowpack. On a variety of aspects above 7,500 feet, skiers and riders continue to have the potential of triggering persistent slab avalanches that could have depths of two to five feet. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles, are more likely to initiate one of these slabs.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )In the morning, expect generally cold temperatures with mild inversions in place. A weak system with little moisture will provide for increasing clouds during the day and a chance for isolated light snow showers with little accumulation. Like today, temperatures in the mountains should rise from near zero degrees to the mid-teens. Winds are to be light. In the Teton’s, the danger rating on Tuesday will be on the lower spectrum of Moderate. The avalanche problem types are not a great fit for the current situation and will, at least temporarily, be removed from the forecast. At higher elevations where snow depths are the greatest, weak layers exist within the snowpack although triggering them has become unlikely except for a slight chance of large triggers finding a weak spot. As elevation lowers weak layers become more prominent but both snow depths and slab cohesiveness also lessen. In short, the chance for human triggered avalanche activity is becoming possible only in isolated areas that involve very steep terrain in avalanche starting zones and cliff areas. This is not the case for the Togwotee Pass or Southwest Trails areas. Although they will also be rated as Moderate, it is good to remember that the Moderate danger rating covers the widest range of conditions. Both of these other areas have weaker snowpacks and avalanches are more likely to be triggered by humans. This is particularly true in the Southwest Trails areas where sizeable cohesive slabs lie over well-preserved weak layers and the chance for human triggered is the most likely. However, it is also the case at Togwotee pass where, although less snow has loaded the weak layers and unstable snow is harder to find, a remotely triggered slide was reported near Mount Leidy just the other day.

Regions covered