Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Heightened avalanche danger exists at upper elevations on very steep, wind-loaded slopes. Soft slabs 1-2 feet thick are possible, and avalanches could be large enough to injure you. Look for drifted snow and watch for shooting cracks. The danger is greatest around cliffs and steep wind-loaded features like couloirs. Give cornices a wide buffer. Avalanches are unlikely below 9,000’.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The upper elevations of the Salt River and Wyoming Ranges received 10-12 inches inches of snow in the past 48 hours. Moderate winds out of the west have redistributed this snow and formed soft slabs 1-2 feet deep in wind-loaded terrain at the upper elevations. Skiers and riders have the potential to trigger a fresh wind slab avalanche if venturing into very steep terrain above 9,000’. Avalanches in heavily wind-loaded areas could be large enough to injure you. Even small avalanches above consequential terrain and terrain traps will be dangerous and could knock you off your feet or sled.  Be on the lookout for signs of wind loading and isolated pockets of unstable snow along upper elevation ridgelines, below cliffs, and in couloirs. Cracking within the new snow and recent avalanches are signs of unstable conditions. Move to lower-angle terrain if these signs are present.

Avalanche Discussion

In the last 48 hours, 8- 12 inches of snow has fallen at upper elevations in the Salt and Wyoming ranges. A similar amount of snow has fallen in the Tetons, were four skiers were caught and carried in a large avalanche yesterday in steep, wind-loaded terrain.  Another 1-3 inches of snow could fall today, yet this should do little to increase the overall avalanche danger. Wet avalanche problems are not likely to be a concern today, given the relatively cold and mostly cloudy conditions that are forecasted. Still, it is April, and any periods of prolonged sun could destabilize snow surfaces. 

Continue to give cornices plenty of room, and remember that they break much further back towards the ridge than you might expect.

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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