Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE today. Pockets of slabs up to four feet in depth lie upon persistent weak layers of faceted snow. These slabs could be triggered by a single skier or snow machiner on steep slopes, even if that slope has been previously crossed multiple times.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The northwest flow at the ridge top level is forecast to be dryer and slightly warmer on Thursday. Expect partly cloudy skies and highs in the lower teens. AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TETON AREAThe general avalanche hazard is expected to remain LOW at all elevations on Thursday. New shallow pockets of soft slab formed by northwest winds pose some hazard to backcountry users venturing into cliff areas at the highest elevations. Isolated pockets of old slab up to two feet deep persist on some steep rocky northerly aspects. AVLANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TOGWOTEE PASS/CONTINENTAL DIVIDE AND GREYS RIVER/SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREASThe general avalanche hazard is expected to remain MODERATE. Weaknesses associated with faceted snow persist in the snowpack. Dangerous slabs could be triggered on some very steep wind loaded aspects, however multiple passes by snowmachines or skiers may be made before a weak point is crossed and a slab avalanche is triggered. On Sunday one snowmobiler was buried and two were carried by a four foot deep slab avalanche triggered on a west facing slope southeast of Afton (none were injured). The slope had been crossed many times before it failed. Similar events are possible on Thursday. Backcountry users are advised to consult area specific forecasts issued every morning as new information may become available and unexpected weather can change conditions.