Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The avalanche danger will rise to Considerable today as new snow and windy conditions make triggering a slab avalanche up to a foot deep likely in steep and wind loaded terrain above 8,000’. Although less likely, some of these avalanches could break up to 2.5 feet deep in very steep terrain. Conservative terrain selection and avoiding steep, wind loaded slopes is recommended today as conditions become increasingly unstable.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    2-4 inches of new snow fell overnight in the upper elevations of the Salt River and Wyoming Ranges. Another 4-6 inches of snow accompanied by moderate to strong winds out of the southwest/west is expected today. Newly formed soft slabs up to a foot deep will be sensitive to the weight of a rider in very steep and wind loaded terrain above 8,000’. Wind slabs will be smaller and isolated to very steep terrain at the low elevations. Be on the lookout for signs of instability including cracking within the new snow or recent avalanches. Move to low angle terrain if these signs are present.

    Although less likely, larger avalanches up to 2.5 feet deep could be triggered on some very steep and wind affected slopes above 8,500’. Weak interfaces below older wind slabs have resulted in several large human triggered avalanches the last several days. New snow and wind loading is stressing these deeper layers and could make them more sensitive to triggering today. Carefully assess the snowpack in wind affected and very steep terrain to determine if the potential for deeper avalanches exist. Giving very steep and wind loaded features a wide margin is the best way to manage this problem today.

    (3/21/2025)

    This avalanche was remotely triggered by a snowmobile yesterday in Mosquito Creek and is a good example of terrain where deeper avalanches involving older wind slabs are possible. NE aspect at 9,100'.  The avalanche failed on old snow around 2-3 feet deep.

Avalanche Discussion

Conditions will change rapidly today as a winter storm impacts the region. Up to a foot of new snow will be possible by this evening. Windy conditions will form new slabs and help to increase the danger as the day progresses. Building in extra safety margins and being able to pivot to low angle terrain is a good call today given the changing conditions. 

A thin layer of weak, faceted snow was buried around March 13th. Wind slabs 2-3 feet thick are now sitting on top of that layer. Human triggered avalanches involving these layers continue to be reported. Although this is not a widespread problem, it is worth considering the potential for deeper avalanches in some pieces of very steep and wind loaded terrain, especially as today’s new snow adds additional stress to the snowpack. It is likely that this weak layer will not be around for long, however, it is worth keeping on your radar for the time being.

If you see avalanche activity today, please consider submitting an observation HERE. Observations allow everyone to gain a better and more complete understanding of conditions. Thanks!

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