Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE. A well developed, persistent weak layer of faceted snow and depth hoar lies at the base of the snowpack. In steep terrain, the potential continues for backcountry travelers to trigger hard slab avalanches involving this basal layer. These poorly supported slabs could be triggered by a single person, and more likely by heavier loads such as snowmobiles, even after a slope has been crossed many times. Yesterday, a skier triggered a three foot deep slab avalanche on an east facing aspect of Beaver Mountain. Loose snow sluffs and shallow soft slabs near ridge crests involving recently fallen snow could also be triggered in steep terrain.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A few light flurries could develop overnight as a Pacific low pressure system brushes the region to the south, followed by decreasing cloud cover during the day. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the mid teens before rising into the mid 20s on Sunday. Ridgetop winds will veer to the northeast at 10 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE in the Teton and Togwotee Pass areas, and CONSIDERABLE in the Greys River area where the snowpack remains more sensitive. In steep avalanche terrain, the possibility persists for backcountry riders and skiers to trigger hard slab avalanches to the base of the snowpack. These slabs may fail after a slope has been crossed several times if a shallow weak zone is encountered. Larger loads, such as snowmobiles or groups of skiers, have a greater potential to cause failure of these weaknesses. In steep terrain, loose snow sluffs and pockets of soft slabs to a foot in depth could be triggered near ridge crests. Any extended periods of sunshine will increase the likelihood of these slides.