Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Above 8500 feet, recently formed wind slabs lie on a variety of aspects. Although cold temperatures have lessened the sensitivity of these slabs, they could still be triggered in steep avalanche terrain . Backcountry recreationalists should watch out and avoid terrain that has obvious signs of wind loading, especially where the recent snow fell upon slick crusts. Avalanches are unlikely at lower elevations today.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )After a cold night marked by an inversion, expect cold temps and clouds tomorrow with highs in the mountains climbing to 5 to 15 degrees, north to south. Wind will back from south to northwest overnight but remain light, 10-15 mph. A trace to an inch of additional snow will add to the light density snow on the ground and may continue to drift, potentially creating some pockets of unstable wind slab overnight and tomorrow. These slabs should be small and limited in distribution across higher elevation terrain but may be sensitive particularly in those areas where they accumulate on a slick crust, likely on southerly, steep terrain. It will be worth looking for smooth, pillowy slabs and nearby snow depths to discern the size and sensitivity of these wind loaded areas before committing to ski or ride on them. Limited observations contribute some uncertainty to the size and distribution of these slabs which leads to another day of Moderate danger rating. The danger rating is Low elsewhere with loose, dry avalanches a possibility in very steep terrain.