Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Strong west winds have increased the load on unstable slabs and created dangerous conditions. The general avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE. Dense surface slabs two to four feet in depth lie upon lighter density snow and buried crusts. These slabs are likely to be easily triggered by the weight of a single person and could release naturally and run long distances. Good terrain evaluation and snow stability assessment skills are necessary for safe travel in avalanche terrain.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A strong, fast moving storm system will bring moderate to heavy snowfall to the region overnight. New snow accumulations of six to 12 inches in the mountains and three to six inches in the valleys are forecasted. West to northwest winds at 30 to 40 with gusts to 60 miles per hour will accompany this snowfall. On Saturday the snowfall and winds will slowly diminish. Temperatures will be in the upper teens and low 20s. The new snow and strong winds are expected to increase the avalanche hazard and create dangerous conditions. Slabs avalanches two to four in depth are expected to release naturally at the higher elevations and could run long distances. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be HIGH in the Greys River/Southwest Trails Area, at the upper elevations of the Teton Area and CONDSIDERABLE in the Togwotee Pass/Continental Divide Trails Area. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended during periods of high hazard.