Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard is HIGH.Heavy snowfall overnight and continuing through the day is being moved by strong southwest winds to create easily triggered soft surface slabs one to two feet in depth on a variety of aspects. The new snow is falling on weak, light density snow and surface hoar. This sensitive load rests on sun crusts and wind pack. Natural or human triggered avalanches are likely on many aspects. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. The size and sensitivity of the slides will increase through the day at all elevations. Steep slopes, road cuts and ravines should be avoided at low elevations.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. ) A strong area of low pressure will move across the region bringing moderate to heavy snowfall Tuesday night through Wednesday. Snowfall amounts by Wednesday evening will be 12 to 15 inches in the Wyoming and Salt ranges, 6 to 12 inches in the Tetons and 5 to 7 inches in the Togwotee Pass area. Temperatures will be in the upper teens Wednesday morning and warm only a few degrees during the day. Ridge top winds will be southerly overnight at 20 to 25 miles per hour then veer to southwesterly during the morning and increase to 40 miles per hour with stronger gusts before slowing in the afternoon.The new snow will be falling on weak, light density snow over wind crusts, wind pack and surface hoar depending on local variations. This combination with strong winds will create easily triggered slabs that will build rapidly through the day. The avalanche hazard is expected to rise to CONSIDERABLE in the Tetons, MODERATE in the Togwotee Pass area and may build to a HIGH rating in the Salt River/Wyoming Ranges.