Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard is HIGH. An Avalanche Warning is in effect for the mountains of Western Wyoming through Friday night. Natural activity is likely and backcountry travelers will have the ability to easily trigger slabs to two foot depths in avalanche terrain. Once triggered these slabs are likely to entrain the weak faceted snow to the base of the snowpack. Natural slides hit the highways both in Hoback Canyon and on the west side of Teton Pass early this morning and Glory Bowl on Teton Pass was triggered with explosives. Travel in avalanche terrain is NOT recommended today.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Snow is expected to increase in intensity overnight through Thursday morning, with periods of snow showers through the remainder of Thursday. West winds are to be strong with 20 to 35 mile per hour averages. Warm temperatures are to continue with mountain highs in the upper twenties expected. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be High. Backcountry travelers will be able easily trigger soft slabs in steep terrain and natural activity will be likely. The sensitivity and size of these slabs will depend on the amount of snowfall and wind received but depths could reach to three feet as the day progresses and once initiated are likely to entrain the underlying faceted snow. An Avalanche Warning is in effect for the period from 12 Noon on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 until Midnight on Friday December 30, 2011 for Yellowstone N.P – Absaroka Mountains – Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains – Wind River Mountains East and West – Salt River and Wyoming Ranges - Snake River RangesHeavy snowfall and strong winds will create dangerous avalanche conditions in the mountainous areas of Western Wyoming. Natural and human triggered avalanches are likely to occur. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Avalanches could impact roadways on Teton Pass and in the Hoback and Snake River Canyons.