Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE. Rapid, heavy snowfall and warming temperatures have created dangerous avalanche conditions. The new snow is falling on weak, lighter density snow that rests on slick sun crusts or firm wind packed snow. Soft slabs to three feet in depth will be easily triggered on a variety of aspects. With increasing snow, wind speeds and temperatures the hazard will rise through the day. Conservative decision-making will be essential today. Avoid run-out zones if riders are above.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A new system will move into the region Tuesday night with light snow and winds from the west at 20 miles per hour. The brunt of the snowfall with the storm will come Wednesday afternoon. Mountain temperatures will reach the upper 20s and westerly ridge-top winds will increase from 15 miles per hour in the morning to 30 in the late evening. Total accumulations could be 6 to 12 inches in the Tetons, 5 to 10 inches in the Southwest Trails area and 4 to 8 inches around Togwotee Pass.The general avalanche hazard will be Moderate across the region, increasing through the day. The new snow will fall on sun crusts on all but very northerly exposures. Reported slides to two feet in depth are running on density breaks or the sun crusts and similar events are expected Wednesday. People in extreme terrain will be able to trigger deep slabs, particularly on slopes that now have thin cover over rocky areas where the thinner snow rests on loose, faceted snow. The thinner snowpack is much less stable than the lower angle terrain this forecast covers.