Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE today. West winds have formed dense surface slabs up to two feet in depth on leeward slopes. These slabs lie on a variety of snow surfaces including slick crusts and weak layers of faceted snow. These slabs could be triggered by riders on steep wind loaded aspects and once triggered have the potential to pull out deeper layers possibly to the ground. It is important to recognize that these slabs may seem stable and may be ridden or crossed several times before the faceted snow near the ground collapses and an avalanche occurs. Yesterday, the fourth avalanche fatatlity in Wyoming this winter occurred near Togwotee Pass when two snowmobilers were caught.