Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Yesterday, two large avalanches were remotely triggered by backcountry travelers in the Snake River Range and the Wyoming Range. The event on Greyback Ridge in the Wyoming Range was triggered by the second party to cross above the slope, and in the Snake River Range on Observation Peak when snowmobilers crossed a nearby slope. Both these events are indications of the dangerous avalanche conditions that exist in the forecast areas, and similar events are likely in the Southwest Trails forecast area today. Situational awareness of surrounding terrain will be important to manage the potential of remote triggers, and previous tracks should not be trusted as signs of stability. Today’s warming temperatures and sunshine could increase the sensitivity of these slabs. Expert terrain evaluation skills are essential and conservative terrain choices are warranted.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A weak weather disturbance will pass to the southwest of the forecast area and bring light snow tonight that is expected to last over the Southwest Trails area into tomorrow morning. Accumulation amounts are expected to be an inch or less. Partly cloudy skies will clear during the day. Temperatures should start cold in the single digits to low teens and then warm into the teens and twenties. Northerly winds are expected to be light. Skiers and riders could trigger small to large persistent slab avalanches on a variety of aspects and elevations. The daily warming along with sunshine may increase the potential to trigger slab avalanches. Above 7,500 feet, in the Southwest Trails and Teton forecast area, where slab depths could be two to four feet, the avalanche hazard is expected to be Considerable. In the Togwotee Pass forecast area above 8,000 feet, where slab depths could be one to two feet, the avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate. Careful evaluation of the snowpack and safe terrain selection is warranted to travel in the backcountry.