Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

This morning the avalanche hazard will begin as Low and then as daily warming breaks down surface crusts, the hazard will increase to Moderate. In the afternoon, it will be possible for skiers and riders to trigger small wet slides on steep, sunlit slopes at all elevations, and for large cornices to fail. Above-freezing temperatures and strong solar radiation can quickly change the snow’s surface from supportable and very stable to wet and unstable. If a slide occurs, there is potential for these avalanches to grow in size by entraining wet snow and becoming destructive. Even a small slide in serious terrain could have severe consequences if a person is swept off a cliff, down a steep couloir, or into a terrain trap. Although unlikely, large persistent deep slab avalanches remain a potential threat. Due to the substantial consequences of being involved in one of these dangerous slides a conservative approach to steep, suspect slopes is warranted. Monitor conditions for wet snow avalanches and in the afternoon, as the snow transitions avoid steep sunlit slopes.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Under a ridge of high-pressure, dry weather is expected through Friday morning. Tomorrow skies will be mostly clear. Temperatures will start in the teens and then warm into the 30s and 40s, with the temperature at 10,000 feet rising above freezing for a few hours. Southwesterly ridgetop winds will be 10 to 20 miles per hour. Tomorrow morning in all the forecast areas, the avalanche hazard will start at Low and then increase to Moderate in the afternoon. During the warmest periods of the day and on slopes receiving direct sunlight, the snow’s surfaces will melt and it will be possible for backcountry travelers to trigger small wet snow avalanches. These slides can be slow to release, but as they entrain snow, they have the potential to become destructive. Daily warming will also increase the potential for cornices to fail and possibly slides on slopes prone to glide crack avalanches.Although unlikely, in the Grey’s River and Togwotee Pass forecast areas, there is still some potential for the release of a deep persistent slab avalanche. Triggering one of these slides will take a large load like a snowmobile, a cornice drop, or the release of a wet slide. Tomorrow, backcountry travelers should monitor for wet snow, and when snow surfaces become wet, move to shaded slopes, and avoid steep terrain.