Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The General Avalanche Hazard is MODERATE. Two types of avalanches are possible: First, surface slabs one to three feet in depth, which rest on suncrusts and buried surface hoar, remain susceptible to human triggers. Second, deep, hard slab avalanches due to increasing weak, faceting of the foundation of the snowpack. This situation exits in areas that have shallow snow depths. A supportable layer of surface snow can give a false sense of security as the number of prior tracks on a slope may not indicate stability. Each new track may be weakening the slope increasing the chance of triggering a slide. Saturday, two snowmobilers started and were partially buried by this type of slide on an easterly aspect at 8,500 feet in the Snake River Range. Other similar events have occurred over the past few days and remain possible. Current dry weather and very cold conditions will increase the Avalanche Danger over time. The consequences of being caught in one of these slides are severe, and caution is warranted.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. ) Inversions will steepen as warmer air moves over at mountain top elevations. 10,000 foot temperatures will rise to twenty degrees f. Tuesday but the valley floors will continue to be very cold. Ridgetop winds will be northerly at 10 to 15 mph. The General Avalanche Hazard will be MODERATE Tuesday. Two avalanche scenarios remain possible: First, surface slabs one to three feet in depth, which rest atop suncrusts and buried surface hoar, remain susceptible to human triggers on many aspects. The second avalanche problem is deep slab instability. Normal signs of stability such as previous tracks may only be the beginning of the weakening of the stronger surface snows. Under the current weather conditions the snowpack will become weaker and weaker and the chances of triggering a large, hard slab will increase. This condition has existed in the Greys river area to the South and Togwotee Pass to the East. With a Moderate hazard always use good stability evaluation skills and avoid open avalanche paths despite the behavior of those willing to accept higher levels of risk.