Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Above 8000 feet, skiers and riders have the potential to trigger soft slab avalanches in steep wind loaded terrain. These slabs could release above the crust that was buried on March 7th, or could involve preserved faceted snow that lies beneath this crust. On Monday and Tuesday, there were multiple reports of sled, skier, and snowboarder triggered avalanches in the Palisades and Wyoming ranges. Recently reported slides near McDougal peak were remotely triggered, indicating the presence of a persistent weak snow layer. Please visit the Avalanche Event Map on this website for more detailed info. Riders venturing into steep avalanche starting zones should use caution today as this hazard is not as easy to identify as simply looking for areas of wind loading, so taking a look at the snow below the recent crust is recommended to determine slope stability. Avalanche activity is unlikely in terrain below 8000 feet today.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Showers will continue to periodically produce snow until midnight, particularly in the northern two forecast areas. Another one to three inches of accumulation is expected during this time in localized areas. Thursday looks be mostly clear with mountain temperatures rising from the single digits to the mid-twenties while valley temps rise from the teens to mid-thirties. The general avalanche danger will be Moderate above 9000 feet in the Teton and Togwotee forecast areas where wind slabs could be triggered by riders or skiers in steep wind loaded terrain. These slabs could have depths to over a foot in the Tetons and are likely to be less than a foot deep in the Togwotee Pass area. Watch for terrain features that are wind loaded and remember that small slides can be problematic in consequential terrain. Avalanches below 9000 feet are unlikely except for in isolated pockets. In the Southwest Trails forecast area, the danger rating will also be Moderate above 8000 feet. Slab avalanches could be triggered involving faceted snow below the early March crust. This scenario creates the potential for larger slides that are difficult to predict as they may require taking the time to look at the snowpack below the well established crust.