Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard is HIGH. Very strong westerly winds and 18 inches of new snow in the past two days have combined to create easily triggered or naturally running slabs up to four feet deep in avalanche terrain. In addition, new slides may have the potential to pull out older hard slabs up to three feet deep that lie upon a persistent weak base of depth hoar. Very warm temperatures will further weaken the snowpack and make slides more likely. TRAVEL IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED. At lower elevations the weak snowpack will rapidly loose structure with warm temperatures and rain. Road cuts, ravines and roof tops will be sliding and should be avoided.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. ) Moderate to heavy snowfall is expected overnight and through Wednesday. Accumulations of another 20 inches of snow is possible by Wednesday evening. Temperatures will warm to near freezing at upper elevations and rain is possible at lower elevations. Winds will continue westerly and increase to 40 mile per hour averages with stronger gusts through the day. Easily triggered or naturally releasing slabs will continue to grow in size and distribution. Warming temperatures will add to this lethal combination and increase the chance of avalanches. People who travel on avalanche terrain or in run-out zones should expect to be caught in avalanches. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be HIGH in the Tetons and Greys River areas.At low elevations rain will rapidly overwhelm the weak snowpack. Natural, heavy and dangerous slides will be possible in steep areas like road cuts, ravines or from roof tops.In the Togwotee Pass area the hazard is expected to be Moderate. Concern continues in this area that a person may release a deeper, hard slab avalanche to three feet in depth on steep, upper elevation slide paths. There will also be an increasing chance for backcountry travelers to release new, soft slab avalanches with forecasted new snow and strong winds.