Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A Pacific stream of moisture, originating near the Hawaiian Islands, is expected to push into Southwest Wyoming Friday night. This pineapple connection could bring an additional 2 to 4 inches of dense snowfall to Western Wyoming by Saturday, with higher accumulations possible in the Southwest Trails/Greys River area. Mountain temperatures are forecasted to dip into the teens overnight before rising back into the mid 20s during the day. The valley should see freezing overnight temperatures with lows in the mid 20s, before rising into the mid 30s on Saturday. Ridgetop winds should remain Westerly, and decrease to 15 to 25 mph.The General Avalanche Hazard in the TETON area will rise to MODERATE above 9,000 feet if forecasted snowfall materializes. New snowfall and Westerly winds will build upon the existing soft slabs. If triggered, these surface slabs have the potential of sweeping backcountry travelers over cliffbands or into terrain traps. In the unfortunate event of valley rain, wet slides will be possible at the lower elevations below the freezing line.In the CONTINENTAL DIVIDE/TOGWOTEE PASS area, the General Avalanche Hazard is expected to remain MODERATE. The deep slab instability problem persists on steep avalanche prone slopes and carries severe consequences.The General Avalanche Hazard in the SOUTHWEST TRAILS/GREYS RIVER area is MODERATE and could rise to CONSIDERABLE if higher than forecasted snowfalls are seen. Pockets of soft slab up to 18 inches could be triggered in wind loaded starting zones. The increased load of new snow will also raise the potential for snowmobilers to trigger full depth avalanches on steep slopes, failing on the basal weak layer of faceted snow. Finally, any rain at the lower elevations will bring about the possibility of wet slides.