Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard is HIGH. New snow and strong winds will create new soft surface slabs up to three feet in depth. These slabs will likely release naturally and could run full path. On Tuesday a snowmachiner was caught and buried in the upper portion the Split Rock Creek drainage in the Togwotee Pass area. This rider triggered an 18 to 24 inch deep surface slab on a very steep northeast aspect above a terrain trap. His body has not yet been recovered. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended today.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A winter storm warning is in effect through 8 AM Thursday. A Pacific storm will continue to bring moisture into western Wyoming tonight and Thursday morning. The snow will taper off to snow showers by late morning with significant accumulations expected above 7,500 feet. Warm temperatures below 7,500 feet will reduce snow accumulations in the valleys. A cold front moving through after midnight will bring the snow level down to the valleys. AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TETON, TOGWOTEE PASS/CONTINENTAL DIVIDE AND GREYS RIVER/SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREASThe general avalanche hazard at the mid and upper elevations (above 7,500 feet) is expected to rise to HIGH by Thursday morning. Unstable surface slabs up to several feet deep are likely to form. Spontaneous releases are likely and could step down to buried weak layers. Below 7,500 feet the general avalanche hazard is expected to rise to CONSIDERABLE. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Highways may be impacted. Backcountry users are advised to consult area specific forecasts issued every morning as new information may become available and unexpected weather can change conditions.