Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE. A well developed, persistent, weak layer of faceted snow and depth hoar lies at the base of the snowpack. The liklihood continues for human triggered hard slab avalanches in steep terrain involving this basal layer. These poorly supported slabs could be triggered by a single person, and more likely a snowmobile, even after a slope has been crossed many times.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Snow is to fall across the mountains and valleys overnight and through the day on Thursday. Snowfall amounts of six inches to a foot of new snow are possible during this time. Temperatures are to rise into the low twenties and winds are to be southwesterly at 15 to 20 mph. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate in the Togwotee Pass and Teton forecast areas and Considerable in the Southwest Trails/Greys River area. Backcountry riders and skiers have the potential to trigger hard slab avalanches to the base of the snowpack in steep avalanche terrain. These slabs may fail when a weak spot or trigger point is hit even after a slope has been crossed several times. Larger loads such as snowmobiles or groups of skiers have a greater potential to trigger these weaknesses. Loose snow sluffs and soft surface slabs will become sensitive as new snow accumulates during the day.