Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE above an elevation of 8,000 feet. Since Wednesday, new snow and strong West to Southwest winds have formed sensitive surface slabs on steep, wind loaded slopes. Skiers and riders will be able to easily trigger these soft slabs to depths of up two feet. These slides may also release deeper hard layers that lie upon weak snow near the ground. Use careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route finding, and conservative decision making. Avalanches are unlikely below 8,000 feet.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )An upper level ridge over the western U.S. will bring northwest flow to the area. Some moisture may make it up and over the ridge resulting in light, scattered snowfall through the day on Sunday. Overnight lows in the mountains are expected to be near 10 before rising into the upper teens on Sunday. Ridgetop winds will be northwesterly at 15 to 25 miles per hour.At the mid and upper elevations in the Tetons and in the Southwest Trails/Greys River area, the general avalanche hazard is expected to be Considerable, and Moderate in the Togwotee Pass/Continental Divide area. Above 8000 feet, backcountry skiers or riders could trigger new soft slabs on steep, wind loaded slopes. Older hard slabs could also be triggered, or step down from surface slabs. In the Tetons, where more snow has fallen, these soft slabs may have depths of up to two to three feet; the underlying hard slabs may release to the ground. In the other forecast areas, where less snow has fallen, similar conditions exist with smaller slab depths.