Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Triggering an avalanche around a foot in depth is possible in steep, wind loaded terrain at the upper elevations today. Be on the lookout for unstable wind drifted snow and move to low angle terrain if you observe cracking or collapses. Large avalanches involving weak layers buried 2-4 feet deep are unlikely.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Yesterday morning, moderate to strong winds out of the southeast redistributed the 2-8 inches of new snow and formed soft slabs around a foot deep that could still be sensitive to the weight of a rider or snowmobile in very steep (>35°), upper elevation terrain. Light winds are expected today and additional loading is not anticipated. Given the unusual wind direction, be on the lookout for unstable wind drifted snow in places that are not usually loaded.

    Watch for signs of wind loading such as rounded, pillowed, or stiff snow surfaces. Shooting cracks are an indicator that the snow is unstable. Triggering a small wind slab has the potential to knock you off your feet or machine and can have serious consequences above cliffs or other terrain traps.

    (1/22/2025)

    Cracking in unstable wind drifted snow.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Weak layers of snow are buried 2-4 feet deep in the Salt River and Wyoming ranges. Triggering a large hard slab avalanche at these depths is unlikely, but not impossible. Instability is most likely to be found in very steep, north facing terrain where the snowpack is thin and therefore weakest. Weak spots (trigger points) include wind-scoured areas, hanging snowfields above cliffs, and rocky terrain. Larger triggers such as groups, snowmobiles, or falling cornices, will increase the odds of impacting these weak layers. Choosing terrain that minimizes consequences and remaining vigilant when traveling in avalanche terrain continues to be a good call.

    (1/13/2025)

    This photo from the Wyoming Range is an example of where you can trigger persistent weak layers. 

Avalanche Discussion

The upper elevations of the Salt River range received 8” of low density snow on Friday (1/24). Easterly winds have loaded slopes in unusual places. No new avalanche activity was reported yesterday in this zone. Still, be on the lookout for wind slabs along exposed ridgelines and cross loaded gullies. This snow is sitting on a variety of weak surfaces including crusts, facets, and old wind slabs and may move easier than expected.

Slab thickness above buried weak layers varies significantly across the Salt/Wyoming ranges. The odds of triggering a persistent slab are higher on isolated terrain features where weak layers are buried 2-3 feet deep. Areas where the persistent weak layer is buried 3-4 feet deep, such as upper elevations or many parts of the Salt River Range, will be even less likely. The last reported cycle of persistent slab avalanches occurred on January 7th. Remain vigilant when traveling through avalanche terrain in areas that contain a weak and shallow snowpack. The best way to identify these areas is to probe for snow depths or look for low snow coverage where rocks or vegetation are still showing.

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