Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

At the higher elevations the general avalanche hazard is MODERATE. Strong and gusty southwest to west winds have formed pockets of wind slab one to two feet in depth. On steep northerly aspects above an elevation of 8,500 feet these slabs lie upon weak faceted snow and hard crusts and could be human triggered. Below an elevation of 8,500 feet the general avalanche hazard is LOW. Avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets on very steep wind loaded slopes.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The strong northwest flow will continue through Tuesday with periods of light snow or flurries. Temperatures at 10,000 feet will drop to the low teens overnight then rise to near 20 on Tuesday. Winds along the ridges will continue from the west at 20 to 25 miles per hour with stronger gusts. For the 24 hours ending Tuesday night two to three inches of new snow are forecasted. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE above an elevation of 8,500 feet. On northerly aspects pockets of stiff wind slab 15 to 36 inches deep have formed on weak, faceted snow and hard crusts. Small avalanches (up to class size 2) could be human triggered in steep avalanche starting zones, steep couloirs and in cliff areas. Class 2 size avalanches can easily kill or seriously injure a person. Some potential may exist for a medium size (class size 3) avalanche to occur in isolated areas. The general avalanche hazard below an elevation of 8,500 feet is expected to be LOW. However low hazard does not mean there is no hazard. Isolated pockets of wind slab up to 18 inches depth are possible on steep banks and road cuts.