Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The snowpack is weak and dangerous avalanche conditions exist. The incoming storm will further increase the hazard today. While skiers and riders could trigger wind slab avalanches on density breaks within the new and recent snowfall, the primary concern continues to be persistent slab avalanches. Skiers and riders can trigger avalanches involving old weaknesses in the snowpack. These slabs will be larger and more sensitive above 7500 feet and could also occur at lower elevations where they will likely release as wet slabs. Evaluate the snowpack to identify weak layers and make conservative terrain choices.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )After a night with lingering mountain clouds, the next round of moisture is to occur on Tuesday. The Tetons could see an additional 6 inches, the Salts 4-5” and Togwotee Pass should see 2-4”. Winds will remain gusty overnight and are to be very strong during the day with averages near 40 mph and gusts at least into the sixties. These winds are to be westerly during the storm. Temperatures are to remain on the warm side but not be as warm as today, with mountain highs in the twenties and valleys reaching the thirties. The general avalanche danger on Tuesday will be Considerable above 7500 feet in the Teton and Southwest trails areas and Moderate below that elevation in those areas and at all elevations in the Togwotee Pass area. Persistent weaknesses that were buried on December 11th are prevalent throughout avalanche terrain in western Wyoming. Slabs with depths to three feet could be easily triggered in the higher elevations of the Teton and Southwest areas while smaller slabs are possible elsewhere. The predicted snowfall and very strong winds will further load and increase the sensitivity of these slabs as well as form new shallow wind slabs on leeward slopes.