An avalanche warning has been issued by the avalanche center. Avoid travel in avalanche terrain. Multiple natural avalanche events have impacted the highways in the Snake River and Hoback Canyons. In the mountains up to four feet of new snow with over four inches of moisture has fallen during the past several days and has been accompanied by strong west winds with gusts over one hundred miles per hour. Natural avalanche activity is certain and very large destructive avalanches are likely to release naturally today.
Very large destructive avalanches are very likely to occur on a variety of aspects at all elevations and can occur in unexpected locations and in avalanche paths that slide infrequently. These slabs could step down to the ground.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. ) Snow will be on the increase across the area again tonight and will continue through much of the day on Sunday before decreasing Sunday night. New snow accumulations of 8 to 16 inches are expected in the mountains during the next 24 hours. Strong west winds at speeds of 20 to 30 with gusts to 45 miles per hour will continue to create areas of blowing and drifting snow. Temperatures will be in the teens and 20s in the mountains and in the 20s and low to mid 30s in the valleys.If this weather forecast verifies the general avalanche is expected to be HIGH in all areas. Very large natural and human triggered slab avalanches with crown depths of three to six feet are likely and travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
