Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The avalanche danger today is Moderate above 8500 feet and not rated below that elevation due to low or no snow coverage. Several inches of new snow and strong westerly to northwesterly winds have created pockets of slab in leeward terrain along ridge crests and summits. Backcountry riders and skiers have the potential to trigger these slabs as well as loose snow sloughs in very steep avalanche terrain. Caution is advised today as many obstacles lurk just under the snow surface and even small slides could result in serious injuries.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The vigorous system is to bring six to eight inches to the Tetons and slightly lower amounts to the other forecast areas. This accumulation is happen quickly and be mostly over by mid-morning. Valleys are to receive one to three inches. The storm is bringing cold air and morning temperatures are to be in the single digits up high and in the teens in the valleys. As skies become mostly clear in the afternoon, highs are to stay below freezing, reaching the teens in the mountains and the upper twenties down low. Winds are to be strong and veer from the west to northwest during the precipitation event and then are expected to diminish during the day. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Low on Wednesday but could increase to Moderate. New snow will lie upon a shallow and stable snowpack. If significant snowfall occurs, isolated pockets of instability may be present above 9000 feet in the Tetons in the form of loose snow sloughs or as small wind slabs along ridge crests and peaks. Check the morning forecast for updated information on snowfall and hazard ratings.