Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Very dangerous avalanche conditions continue to develop. Slab avalanches at least three feet thick will likely occur with or without a human trigger. These avalanches can run fast and far and could hit low-angled terrain from above, including groomed trails and creek beds.  Avalanches will be most likely this afternoon as wind speeds increase. Today is a good day ride on lower angled slopes and avoid riding in or under steep slopes and avalanche paths. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Yesterday’s heavy snowfall and strong winds have created wind slabs throughout our forecasting area. This storm will continue today, with heavy snowfall and strong, variable winds expected. This avalanche problem will become easier to trigger as extreme weather continues to deposit and move snow. In loaded areas, wind slabs could fail up to 5 feet in depth. Last night, WYDOT triggered a large slide in the Cow of the Woods slide path in Hoback Canyon that put 4 to 6 feet of avalanche debris across both highway lanes. Snow will move easily, and any avalanche will entrain dangerous amounts of snow that could easily bury a person.

    Avalanche conditions will be most dangerous on slopes with windblown snow, but triggering a slide on steep, sheltered slopes is also likely today. This storm has impacted all aspects and elevations. Expect the new snow to slide, even if a wind slab is not easily identifiable.

    These problems may exist at lower elevations.

    (3/1/2024)  Cracks in wind loaded areas like these at 9000' yesterday in Togwotee Pass are a good example of what you might find today.

    Photo: Cameron Galt

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Large to very large avalanches are possible throughout the region. This winter storm has already delivered enough snow and wind to activate the persistent weak layers - even in areas where they are deeper and there has been little to no recent activity. As more moisture and wind arrives this hazard will continue to increase. Wind slabs and storm slabs may step down and trigger larger persistent weak slab avalanches.

    These avalanches might occur naturally today and the weight of a single rider or skier could certainly tip the scales.

    This snowpit shows older weak layers that continue to persist in our region. 

    Snake River Range 9500' NE aspect

    Photo: Alex Drinkard

Avalanche Discussion

This zone has picked up 9 to 13 inches of snow in the last 24 hours, with another 10 to 12 inches possible by the end of today. Strong winds are forecasted and will continue to move snow around. The snowpack is getting actively stressed. Wind and storm slabs will continue to grow, and our persistent weak layers are getting a shock load. Severe storms warrant extreme caution; careful terrain management is essential today. Yesterday, a skier at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort died after falling into a tree well. This is the second snow immersion death in two weeks. Our sincerest condolences go to his friends and family. Please note that various hazards are present in the backcountry and manage travel and terrain choices accordingly.

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