Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE at upper elevations (9,000 to 10,500 feet), MODERATE at mid elevations (7,500 to 9,000 feet) and LOW below an elevation of 7,500 feet. At upper elevations light density snow and winds have created easily triggered soft surface slabs to three feet in depth in steep areas near ridgetops and on cross-loaded slopes. Yesterday at the Jackson Hole Resort several large slides were released in previously uncontrolled areas above 9000 feet. The slides released on approach or with small explosives and ran on weak, faceted snow over slick crusts. Similar conditions are likely in the Greys River region. At mid elevations smaller but still dangerous slides could be triggered. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. ) An embedded weather system will bring one to three inches of light snow to the mountains of Western Wyoming Monday night through Tuesday. Temperatures will continue cold with overnight lows at 9,500 feet just below zero and daytime highs five to ten degrees above. Winds will be westerly at ten to fifteen miles per hour along the ridge crests. Tuesday the general avalanche danger in the Tetons and Greys River areas will be CONSIDERABLE above 9000 feet. Easily triggered slabs to three feet in depth may be released by backcountry travelers on avalanche prone terrain on steep, lee slopes. Below 9000 feet the danger will be MODERATE. Slides may be smaller and more difficult to trigger but still dangerous. Below 7,500 feet the hazard is LOW as the shallow snow rests on the ground. In the Togwotee Pass/Continental Divide area the hazard is forecasted to be MODERATE where slabs to two feet in depth rest on slick sliding surfaces and could be human triggered near ridge crests on lee slopes.