Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Although avalanche activity is unlikely, the chance exists for backcountry skiers, riders, or hikers to trigger small avalanches in isolated areas. This activity is most likely to be a concern in very steep wind loaded terrain above 9000 feet. Caution is advised as even a small slide can knock someone off their feet and into the many obstacles buried just beneath the shallow snowpack.

Prior to November 2nd the snowpack was shallow at the mid and upper elevations and was topped with a layer of faceted snow and surface hoar. The storm that began on November 2nd has been generally warm, wet, and windy with snowfall amounts in the 10 to 18 inch range at higher elevations of the Togwotee and Southwest Trails areas. This snowfall is providing a good base to the still shallow early season snowpack. Avalanche concerns lie in very steep wind loaded areas at high elevations where the recent snow can fail down on the old snow layer. Taking a few minutes to look at the snow layering near the ground can provide great insight to strength of the snowpack.