Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 10 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Due to the inversion conditions, morning temperatures at higher elevations are again starting near thirty degrees. Skiers and riders have the potential to trigger slab avalanches above 8500. These slabs were formed during heavy snow and strong winds last week and will be more prone to failure this afternoon as daytime warming occurs. The chance for wet slide activity will also increase this afternoon as snow surfaces soften. Avalanches at lower elevations are unlikely except for isolated areas of wet loose slides this afternoon. Evaluate the snowpack, particularly surface conditions, in the backcountry today and select routes to avoid these avalanche concerns.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Dense to hard slabs were formed last week during heavy snowfall and strong predominantly southwest winds. These slabs have gained strength and failure on the many density breaks has become unlikely. Failure does remain possible on the weak snow or hard crust layers buried during the early days of the storm. These slabs could have depths from one to four feet. The potential to trigger these slabs will increase with warming temperatures and direct sunlight. Beware of cornice areas today as potential cornice failure could also trigger one of the potentially very large slabs.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )On Thursday, conditions look to be warmest yet, with inversion conditions and light winds setting the stage early. Temperatures on summits could reach above the freezing point while areas at eight to nine thousand feet reach the forties. The difference will be clouds increasing during the day with snowfall developing Thursday night at the higher elevations. The general avalanche hazard will be Moderate above 9000 feet and will increase from Low to Moderate below that elevation. At higher elevations, the chance remains to trigger storms formed during last week’s storm with depths of one to four feet. This possibility will increase during the afternoon. Wet slide activity will also become possible in very steep terrain that is weakened by sunlight and warm temperatures.

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