Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE. Surface slabs to a foot in depth from the weekend's snow and recent winds could be triggered on steep, wind loaded slopes. Beneath the new slabs DANGEROUS slabs up to six feet in depth could be triggered in the steep starting zones of major avalanche paths. Larger triggers such as groups of skiers or snowmachiners are more likely to initiate failure of these killer slabs, however one may be enough if the right shallow or trigger point in the snowpack is hit. Avalanches started when a second rider goes to help a stuck friend on a steep slope is the leading cause of snowmobile avalanche deaths.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. ) Tuesday morning's mountain temperatures will climb from the mid teens into the upper twenties. Partly cloudy skies will become overcast as a strong westerly flow brings plentiful Pacific moisture into the area. Southwest winds will rise through the day from the upper thirties in the morning to the forties with gusts in the mid sixties by afternoon. Snow will begin in the afternoon and continue through Wednesday. AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TETON, TOGWOTEE PASS/CONTINENTAL DIVIDE AND GREYS RIVER/SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREASThe general avalanche danger is expected to remain Moderate on Tuesday at the mid and upper elevations and Low at low elevations. Soft surface slabs may be triggered by backcountry users on steep, wind loaded aspects and some chance remains to trigger deeper hard slabs in extremely steep terrain.Backcountry users are advised to consult area specific forecasts issued every morning as new information may become available and unexpected weather can change conditions.