Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Up to 30 inches of new snow has fallen in less than three days. For this reason a special avalanche bulletin has been issued by the Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Center via the National Weather Service for the Snake River, Salt River and Wyoming Ranges. Large to very large avalanches are likely to be human triggered in steep avalanche prone terrain. Natural avalanches are possible, especially if periods of sunshine and a significant increase in forecast wind speeds occur. In very steep terrain not affected by wind, loose snow sluffs could entrain large volumes of new snow and pose a significant hazard. Expert terrain analysis, restraint and conservative decisions with respect to terrain selection are essential for safe travel in the backcountry today. At the lower elevations it is prudent to avoid the run out zones of overhanging avalanche paths.
Southwest to west winds have soft surface slabs. These slabs lie upon crusts and firm old snow surfaces and are likely to be easily triggered by humans. These slides could have crown depths to four feet could release naturally.
Weak snow persists near the ground. In isolated areas, skiers and riders might be able to trigger dangerous hard slabs with depths to 40 inches failing on this weak layer. This basal weakness is limited in distribution and is most likely to be found along the east slope of the Wyoming Range.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )An unstable northwest flow will continue to bring snow showers to the mountains. Snow shower activity is expected to be heavier before midnight, taper off into the morning and increase again with less intensity on Wednesday afternoon and evening. Temperatures will remain mostly in the teens and 20s. Winds will veer to the west-northwest and decrease from 25 to 15 miles per hour.Dangerous avalanche conditions exist at the higher elevations. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE at the upper elevations of the Teton and Greys River/Southwest Trails areas. Large human triggered avalanches are likely in steep terrain. The general avalanche hazard at the upper elevations of the Togwotee Pass area and the mid elevations of all three forecast zones is expected to be MODERATE. Large human triggered avalanches are possible on steep avalanche prone slopes. The general avalanche hazard at the lower elevations is expected to be LOW.
