Snake River Range

Freezing temperatures overnight have locked up the snow surface and left the region with low avalanche hazard. Generally stable conditions exist and avalanches are unlikely. As a weak storm system comes through later today, pay attention to any snow accumulations that could form shallow slabs in very steep, upper elevation terrain by the end of the day.

After 15 days of generally high pressure and warm weather, precipitation is back in the forecast, and mountain temperatures actually might stay below freezing for a little bit! During these past weeks, the mountains of western Wyoming have undergone a major snowpack change. Low elevation terrain and trailheads have melted out, and many slopes that face the sun at middle and upper elevations are not far behind. As far as avalanches go, the mountains underwent a significant wet loose and wet slab avalanche cycle as the snowpack shifted from being cold, dry, and wintery to a wet and partially frozen springtime snowpack. 

Cold temperatures have frozen the upper snowpack for the time being, and until temperatures warm again, avalanches failing on the snow surface will be the main concern. Today's stormy weather may deposit enough snow to form some shallow wind slabs in high and steep terrain, but that may be more of a problem in the coming days. Pay attention to how this snow is bonding to the old surface and how much snow accumulates. As snow falls in the coming days, expect a bump in avalanche hazard as new snow avalanches will be back on the menu.