Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Low hazard does not mean no hazard. As the day warms at the higher elevations, abundant sunshine will bring about the chance for shallow wet loose slides involving the recent snowfall. Clear skies overnight allowed for a hard freeze of surface and near surface crusts, and avalanche activity below these crusts should be unlikely. However, if crusts break down and unconsolidated snow exists underneath, backcountry travelers should transition to colder terrain. Skiers and riders could also trigger an isolated pocket of shallow wind slab on very steep, wind-loaded slopes near upper elevation ridgelines. Areas where these small slabs have formed should be avoided if the potential exists for slides to sweep backcountry travelers over cliff bands or into terrain traps.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Northerly flow aloft will develop as the aforementioned low pressure system shifts eastward. This scenario will result in clearing skies overnight and mostly sunny skies on Saturday. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near 20 before rising into the low to mid 30s during the day. Valley temperatures will drop into the low 20s by the early morning hours before rebounding into the upper 40s in the afternoon. Northeasterly ridgetop winds will decrease to 5 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW on Saturday. With warm daytime temperatures, abundant sunshine and light winds, very shallow wet loose slides involving the recent snowfall will be likely on steep, sunlit slopes at the higher elevations. The underlying crusts should experience a hard freeze overnight, and avalanche activity below the crusts will be unlikely. However, if near surface crusts break down and unconsolidated snow exists underneath, backcountry travelers should transition to colder terrain. Skiers and riders might also be able to trigger an isolated pocket of shallow wind slab on steep, wind-loaded slopes near upper elevation ridgelines. Areas where these small slabs have formed should be avoided if the potential exists for slides to sweep backcountry travelers over cliff bands or into terrain traps.