Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Avalanche activity is unlikely in the early morning hours. While the snowpack is more stable than the last two days, the general avalanche hazard could increase to Considerable above 7,500 feet if mostly sunny skies prevail through midday. Temperatures are starting out around 5 to 10 degrees warmer than yesterday morning, and most weather stations remained above freezing overnight. The likelihood of triggering wet loose slides and large to very large wet slabs will be on the increase as the day warms. Any extended periods of sunshine could result in natural avalanche activity. Plan on a very early start, monitor the supportability of crusts and the impact of the sun, and be willing to come back another day if conditions warrant. Glide avalanches will also be possible. Although the snowpack below 7,500 feet has undergone numerous melt freeze cycles, wet slides may still be possible where the snowpack remains. The final morning avalanche hazard bulletin of the season will be issued tomorrow.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Cloud cover will increase in the early morning hours ahead of an approaching Pacific weather system. As the day progresses, the chance for light rain up to 10,000 feet will slowly increase. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near 30 before rising to around 40 during the day. Nighttime lows in the valleys will be above freezing and then increase to near 60 in the afternoon. Southwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 10 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard above 7,500 feet could remain Considerable on Saturday if a significant freeze does not occur overnight or if mostly sunny skies prevail through midday. The threat of both wet loose slides and large to very large wet slabs could return if either of these scenarios play out. Plan on a very early start, monitor the supportability of crusts and the impact of the sun, and be willing to come back another day if conditions warrant. While the snowpack below 7,500 feet has undergone numerous melt-freeze cycles, wet slides may still be possible where the snowpack remains.On Thursday, a snowboarder triggered a wet loose avalanche on Twin Slides that almost reached the highway. The Wyoming Department of Transportation continues to ask backcountry travelers to refrain from skiing and riding in terrain that could impact the travel corridor. Our last evening regional avalanche forecast of the 2018/19 season will be issued on Saturday, April 20th, and the final morning avalanche hazard bulletins of the season will be issued on Sunday, April 21st.