Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard is HIGH. Warm temperatures, new snow, strong winds and a base of weak faceted snow have created DANGEROUS UNSTABLE conditions. Natural and human triggered slab avalanches are very likely on a variety of aspects. TRAVEL IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED TODAY.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Snow will continue to fall over the western mountains tonight and Friday with a total snowfall of 12 to 14 inches forecast for the higher elevations by Friday afternoon. Temperatures will continue to rise but are expected to stay below freezing in a southwesterly flow ahead of an approaching cold front. Winds are expected to increase to from 25 to 40 with gusts to 60 MPH around midnight and veer to the west and slowly diminish to 20 MPH by Friday evening. AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TETON, GREYS RIVER/SOUTHWEST TRAILS AND THE TOGWOTEE PASS/CONTINENTAL DIVIDE AREASThe general avalanche hazard is expected to be HIGH at the mid and upper elevations (7,500 to 10,500 feet) as increasing temperatures, strong winds and new snow form new soft surface slabs on a snowpack with some persistent buried weak layers and good sliding surfaces. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are likely on a variety of aspects. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Below 7,500 feet the general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE with new soft slabs forming on a weak basal layer of faceted snow.