Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above an elevation of 7,500 feet. Strong southwest winds have recently loaded lee slopes. This new load lies upon a snowpack that has weak layers of faceted snow and slick crusts. Dangerous dense slabs, up to three feet in depth, could triggered by backcountry travelers on steep, wind loaded avalanche starting zones. Avalanches are unlikely below 7,500 feet.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A weak high pressure system will move across Western Wyoming tonight dropping mountain temperatures into the negative teens before climbing into the single digits on Sunday. Ridgetop winds will be westerly at 15 to 25 miles per hour. Partly to mostly cloudy skies will become overcast later in the day ahead of a strong Pacific weather system.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE above 7,500 feet on Sunday. While natural activity is not anticipated, backcountry travelers could trigger surface slabs to 18 inches in depth. Some potential also remains to release deeper hard slabs, failing on old, November weaknesses. These persistent hard slabs are most likely to be triggered on recently wind loaded slopes underlain by shallow faceted snow, which is often found near rock outcroppings and partially covered cliff bands. Avalanches are unlikely below 7,500 feet.