Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The General Avalanche Hazard is MODERATE today. Surface slabs to three feet that vary in hardness may be triggered by backcountry riders and skiers today in avalanche terrain where they are underlain by hard crusts and surface hoar. These slabs will become much more unstable and sensitive this afternoon when they are weakened by sunlight and rapid warming and could potentially release naturally. Yesterday a heat up driven natural slide put several feet of snow on the groomed trail a few miles up from the Alpine trailhead.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Mostly dry conditions are expected through Saturday as a flat ridge passes just to our South, although there is a chance for some isolated snow showers. Mountain temperatures on Saturday are to reach the upper twenties to low thirties.AVALANCHE HAZARD FORECAST FOR THE TETON AND SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREAS:The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate at the mid and high elevations Saturday where pockets of surface slabs to three feet will be able to be triggered by backcountry users in steep avalanche terrain that has received recent wind loading. The hazard will be limited to isolated pockets of surface slabs at low elevations where less snow was received. The sensitivity of these surface slabs at all elevations will increase during the afternoon when warmer temperatures and sunlight soften the snow surface.FOR THE TOGWOTEE PASS AREA :The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate where surface slabs to eighteen inches could be triggered in steep, wind loaded avalanche paths. The sensitivity of these slabs is expected to increase as warmer temperatures and sunlight soften the snow surface. Backcountry users are advised to consult area specific forecasts issued every morning as new information may become available and unexpected weather can change conditions.