Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard has increased to CONSIDERABLE. Lots of new snow over the past several days and strong winds have created dangerous surface slabs up to four feet in depth. Yesterdays strong northwest winds may have hardened the surfaces of these slabs which may enable backcountry travellers to get well onto them or cross them multiple times before they fail with potentially severe consequences. Yesterday in the southern Teton Range two seperate groups of skiers had members partially buried in avalanche events. Excellant snow stability and terrain evaluation skills are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain today.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )After a dry night, snowfall will return to the mountains during the day on Saturday. Potential storm accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are possible by Sunday afternoon. Southwest winds are forecast to increase during the day with average wind speeds of 42 MPH and gusts to 64 MPH expected by Saturday afternoon. Temperatures will rise into the 20's. AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TETON, TOGWOTEE PASS / CONTINENTAL DIVIDE AND GREYS RIVER / SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREAS:The general avalanche hazard is expected to remain MODERATE, but be on the increase in the afternoon. Existing surface slabs recieved additional snow loads from strong west to northwest winds Friday morning. Backcountry users could trigger slab avalanches up to several feet deep on steep wind loaded avalanche prone slopes. Backcountry users are advised to consult area specific forecasts issued every morning as new information may become available and unexpected weather can change conditions.