Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard is Moderate above 8,500 feet and will increase during the day as new snow accumulates. Recently created dense surface slabs lie on a variety of snow surfaces and could be triggered to depths of 18 inches in steep, wind loaded areas by the afternoon. These slabs could step down to total depths of two to two and a half feet in high terrain where early season crusts and faceted snow persist at the base of the snowpack.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning through Sunday. After decreasing snowfall intensity overnight, the next round of moisture will impact the area on Sunday. Very strong southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds at 30 to 50 miles per hour will accompany the snowfall. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the mid 20s before rising to near freezing during the day on Sunday.In the Tetons, where more new snow is anticipated, the General Avalanche Hazard is expected to increase to CONSIDERABLE by the afternoon. New storm slabs, building to two feet in depth, could be triggered by backcountry travelers in steep, wind loaded terrain. In heavily wind loaded areas, these slabs could also release naturally. By tomorrow afternoon, storm totals since Friday of two to two and a half inches of snow water equivalent could be added to the snowpack. This may be enough weight to initiate slides on deeper persistent weak layers from October.The General Avalanche Hazard in the Togwotee Pass and Greys River areas is expected to be MODERATE. Similar conditions exist there, but with decreased snow fall amounts the chance for triggering slides will be less and natural activity is not expected.