Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE. Soft surface slabs formed by recent snow and strong west-southwest winds lie on leeward aspects with depths of up to two feet. Riders or skiers who venture into steep avalanche prone terrain have the potential to trigger these slabs. These slabs will increase in sensitivity and natural wet slides will become possible today as warming and sunlight weaken the snow surface.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Isolated snow showers may be possible in some northwest locations on Thursday as high pressure builds and mostly clear skies prevail. Temperatures are to rise into the forties in the mountains and winds are to be southeasterly with averages of ten to fifteen miles per hour. The general avalanche hazard will be Moderate above 8000 feet. Pockets of soft slab with depth of up to three feet may be triggered by backcountry travelers in steep wind loaded avalanche terrain, particularly on the west side of the Tetons where more snow fell. The sensitivity of these slabs will increase in the afternoon and wet loose slides will become possible as sunlight and warming weaken the surface snow.