Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Skiers and riders venturing into steep, avalanche-prone terrain above 7,500 feet could trigger dangerous persistent slabs ranging in depth from two to four feet. Backcountry travelers might also be able to trigger an isolated pocket of newly developed shallow wind slab or loose snow sluff in very steep, leeward terrain near upper elevation ridgelines, and a conservative approach to terrain management is still warranted above 7,500 feet. Below 7,500 feet, backcountry travelers might also be able to trigger an isolated pocket of soft slab in very steep gullies and ravines.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak, faceted snow that formed during the December dry spell can be found on most aspects above 7,500 feet. Across the landscape, the overlying slabs vary greatly in their thickness and ability to propagate failure of the persistent weak layers below. These slabs could be triggered by the first person on a slope or after the slope has been skied or ridden numerous times, and previous tracks are not an indication of stability.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The upper level disturbance will quickly move through overnight bringing an additional one to three inches of new snow to the mountains by Sunday morning. During the day, a few light scattered snow showers could linger before cloud cover begins to dissipate. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the mid-teens before climbing into the low 20s in the afternoon. Ridgetop winds will veer to the northwest at 20 to 30 miles per hour.Aside from a few inches of new snow, little has changed with the snowpack in the past 24 hours, and the general avalanche hazard is expected to remain CONSIDERABLE in the mountains on Sunday. Skiers and riders venturing into steep, avalanche-prone terrain could trigger dangerous persistent slabs ranging in depth from two to four feet. Isolated pockets of shallow wind slab will also continue to build in leeward terrain near upper elevation ridgelines. A conservative approach to terrain management is still warranted above 7,500 feet. Below 7,500 feet, backcountry travelers might be able to trigger an isolated pocket of soft slab in very steep gullies and ravines.

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