Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The storm arriving today will favor the Salt River Range with 3 to 5 inches of new snow. Strong southwest winds may drift the new snow and create conditions where triggering a small pocket of wind slab is possible. Look for wind slabs up to a foot thick on northeasterly aspects which contain enough old snow to create a smooth and continuous base or bed surface for these slabs to develop. If you see snow drifting in the air, the accumulation zone isn't far away. Avoid steep areas of wind deposited snow if we receive the upper end of the snowfall forecast. The wind slabs may crack and fail underfoot and though are likely to be limited in size, could still cause problems and carry you into an obstacle.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Another weak area of low pressure will bring moisture to the area starting mid-day Tuesday with upslope showers and colder temperatures following into Wednesday. This storm will be on the warm side to begin, but will remain an all snow event at the elevations that matter to skiers and riders. The Tetons will receive the most snow due to enhanced lift with four to six inches new snow likely by sunset tomorrow and 6-10” by the time the weather clears on Wednesday. Surrounding areas to the north and the Salt River and Wyoming Ranges to the south will see lesser accumulations. Two to four inches inches is likely with six inches possible at the highest elevations in total by Wednesday and perhaps half that amount by sunset tomorrow. A dusting of snow and some rain showers are possible at lower elevations. West and southwest wind will be in the 20 mph range with gusts near 35 mph possible tomorrow afternoon before relaxing on Wednesday.The snowpack at lower elevations and on southerly aspects remains thin with many anchors, and obstacles, at or near the surface. More sun sheltered and higher elevations have developed a more continuous bed surface following this last weather system. If you choose to ski or ride during or after this next storm, bear in mind these obstacles along with the possibility of triggering a slab up to 18” thick on the buried surface hoar or a thick wind slab in lee areas. Look for cracking in the new snow and dig to see if the surface hoar is a problem. The avalanche danger at upper elevations may rise to Moderate in the afternoon due to these avalanche problems and the possibility of triggering one a slab. Lower angled slopes will be a safer bet for good turns with reduced avalanche danger and fewer submerged rocks and logs.