Unstable conditions exist. Multiple natural avalanche events have been observed on steep wind loaded easterly aspects at the upper elevations. Some natural avalanche events have also occurred on a variety of other aspects and elevations. Dangerous slab avalanches have been remotely triggered by riders on adjacent slopes. Two days ago a rider was caught buried and injured in the Salt River Range. Similar events are likely today. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE below an elevation of 8,000 feet and CONSIDERABLE above that elevation.
Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Recent new snow and today's gusty winds will continue to load unstable slabs that lie upon a persistent weak layer of faceted snow. Humans who venture onto or near steep slopes could trigger dangerous slabs up to three feet in depth. Avoid travel on and beneath steep slopes.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Light density snow is expected to fall from mostly cloudy skies overnight and through the day on Wednesday. Accumulations of several inches are likely overnight and again on Wednesday. Winds will be northwesterly at 15 to 20 miles per hour and will easily transport the new light density snow onto leeward aspects along the higher ridge crests. Temperatures will be in the single digits and teens in the mountains and rise into the 20s in the valleys.Unstable conditions persist and the hazard is expected to be increasing. Soft slabs up to three feet in depth lie upon persistent weak layers of faceted snow and could be human triggered on steep slopes in all of our forecast areas on a variety of aspects and elevations. Natural avalanches are possible especially in the Greys River/Southwest Trails Forecast Area where the general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE. A MODERATE but increasing avalanche hazard in expected in the Teton and Togwotee Pass/Continental Divide Trails areas.
