Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard remains MODERATE but is increasing. At the highest elevations new snow and wind will combine to form new pockets of soft slab. The potential for humans to trigger these slabs and these slabs to step down to deeper buried weak layers will increase as the day progresses. Warm temperatures and rain pose significant potential for wet loose slides to the ground on steep lower elevation snow covered slopes. Be aware of changing conditions. Natural activity is an indicator of unstable conditions and a significant increase in hazard.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A snow advisory has been issued for the western mountains and valleys as a Pacific Storm system moves into the region. Snowfall amounts of 6 to 12 inches in the mountains and 3 to 6 inches are forecast for Thursday. With valley temperatures near freezing some valley locations could have a mix of rain and snow. Strong southwest to west winds will form new soft slabs as the day progresses. AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TETON AREAThe general avalanche hazard is expected to rise to MODERATE as new snow accumulates and strong winds form new soft surface slabs up to two feet in depth. The potential for skier triggered avalanches will increase during the day. Very intense snowfall and strong winds could increase the hazard to CONSIDERABLE in the afternoon. AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TOGWOTEE PASS/CONTINENTAL DIVIDE AREA The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE. New snow and strong winds will form new soft slabs that are likely to grow in depth and extent as the day progresses. A variety of potential weak layers and sliding surfaces exist. These new surface slabs could be human triggered on steep wind loaded aspects and have some potential to step down to buried weaker layers. AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE GREYS RIVER/SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREASThe general avalanche hazard is expected to increase from MODERATE in the morning to CONSIDERABLE in the afternoon. Strong winds will form new soft surface slabs that will build in depth and extent as the day progresses. These slabs will form upon a snowpack that has persistant weak layers of faceted snow. The potential for human triggered avalanches will increase during the day. Intense loading could cause spontaneous releases with some potential for these slides to step down to weaker buried layers. Backcountry users are advised to consult area specific forecasts issued every morning as new information may become available and unexpected weather can change conditions.