Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Persistent slabs continue to pose a serious threat to backcountry travelers. Yesterday a snowmobiler triggered one of these deep slabs to the ground near Commissary Ridge in the Salt River Range on a steep easterly aspect at an elevation of 9,600 feet. The recent new snow has increased the load on these dangerous slabs and also increased their sensitivity to human triggers. Conservative terrain choices are warranted. The snowpack is mostly stable below 7,500 feet where avalanches are unlikely.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The chance for light snow showers will continue overnight and into Sunday before cloud cover begins to decrease during the day. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the upper single digits before rising into the mid-teens in the afternoon. Westerly ridgetop winds will range from 10 to 20 miles per hour.On Sunday, the general avalanche hazard will continue to be Moderate above 7,500. There, the chance continues for backcountry travelers to trigger large, hard slab avalanches on a variety of aspects. These slabs lie upon deeply buried weak layers of faceted snow. Large triggers, such as groups of people or snowmobiles, may be necessary to cause failure of these basal facets. However, the weight of a single skier or rider could still release one of these hard slabs, particularly in a shallow area where these weak layers are more easily impacted. Be cautious; previous tracks and the lack of recent avalanche activity are not indications of stability. The snowpack is mostly stable below 7,500 feet, and avalanches are unlikely.