Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

On partially shaded and shaded slopes above 9,000 feet, skiers and riders might be able to trigger an isolated pocket of surface slab in very steep terrain that held snow from October. These slabs, which rest upon a hard rain crust and faceted snow, could be up to a foot deep. In terrain where this sliding surface does not exist, the snowpack lacks sufficient depth and structure for avalanche activity.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Expect mostly clear skies overnight followed by increasing cloud cover during the day on Saturday as an upper level low pressure system approaches the area. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the mid teens before rising into the upper 20s during the day. Southwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 10 to 20 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW on Saturday. The primary layer of concern is faceted snow resting on the hard October rain crust. This persistent weak layer exists on westerly through northerly to easterly aspects above 9,000 feet. On mostly shaded slopes, this crust can dip below 9,000 feet. In steep, avalanche prone terrain at the higher elevations, backcountry travelers might be able to trigger an isolated pocket of surface slab 6 to 18 inches deep that fails on this crust/facet combination.