Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE today. Dangerous unstable slabs up to four feet in depth exist on a variety of aspects above 7,500 feet and lie upon well developed weak layers of buried faceted snow. A single skier or snowmobiler could trigger one of these dangerous slabs. Larger triggers, such as closely spaced skiers or multiple snowmachines on the same slope, are even more likely to trigger them. These unstable slopes can be crossed multiple times without failure and then release when a subsequent skier or rider hits a hidden trigger point. Caution is advised as the consequences of triggering one of these slabs are severe.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A weak system could deliver an inch of snow overnight tonight, followed by 2-4 inches in the mountains through Friday afternoon. The inversions are expected to break down, with highs temperatures Friday in the teens expected at all elevations.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE throughout the region on Friday. Unstable slabs up to four feet in depth persist especially on steep northerly aspects and in cliff areas in the Teton area and on a variety of aspects in the Togwotee and Greys's area where they are underlain by a weaker snowpack. The potential exists for a lone skier or snowmobiler to trigger one of these slabs when a weak spot in the snowpack is crossed, even if the slope has several tracks already upon it. Larger triggers such as a snowmobile or group are even more likely to trigger such an event. These slabs should not be underestimated as they are large and carry severe consequences. Below 7500' the hazard is expected to be LOW.