Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE. Strong wind and new snow yesterday created easily triggered slabs to 18 inches in depth on lee slopes. Beneath the new snow dangerous, unstable slabs persist. Deep hard and soft slabs lie upon a weak base of faceted snow, and could be triggered by backcountry users kicking off new surface slabs or venturing into steep, avalanche terrain. On Saturday, three snowmobilers died in Cottonwood Creek southeast of Afton when a large, naturally released avalanche overwhelmed them in the run-out zone.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Winds will diminish and temperatures will continue to drop to near ten below by Wednesday morning as a north to northwesterly flow affects the region. Occasional light snow is possible with daytime 9500 foot maximums in the low single digits. Winds will be northerly at 15 miles per hour along the ridge tops.New snow and very strong winds created sensitive slabs to 18 inches in depth that could be easily triggered on lee slopes. Deeper, old slabs resting on buried weak layers continue to be a concern on steep west, north and east aspects. Released new slabs or stronger triggers such as multiple riders on a slope may be necessary to pull out the older snow. Wednesday the General Avalanche hazard is expected to be Considerable in the Greys River and Teton areas and Moderate in the Continental Divide/Togwotee Pass area.