Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard will rise from Moderate to Considerable today. Backcountry riders and skiers have the potential to trigger slab avalanches to three feet in depth in very steep terrain. Warm morning temperatures in the mountains will quickly rise above the freezing point. The rapidly warming temperatures and direct sunlight will weaken and stress the surface slabs making them much more sensitive to triggering by riders or skiers this afternoon. These slabs may release in the form of hard slabs or as wet slabs. Wet loose avalanche activity will also become possible at all elevations today. Two ski mountaineers triggered a slide that resulted in their deaths on an approach to a peak in Grand Teton National Park on Wednesday. The location and some details of the event can be found by going to the following link: http://youtu.be/qjVi6_HAi1w

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )High pressure is to continue through the weekend. Friday looks to have high temperatures in the thirties and light winds. The general avalanche hazard will be Moderate. Slabs to three feet could be triggered by backcountry travelers in very steep avalanche terrain. These slabs will increase in sensitivity as sunlight and warming soften and weaken the surface of the snowpack. Wet slides will also become possible in the afternoon as temperatures rise.