Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

After a week of clear skies and temperature inversions, a dry cold front has moved through the area. Temperatures at the higher elevations have dropped from the low 30’s to near 20 degrees. Three weeks of drought have created snow surfaces that include areas of crust, surface hoar and loose faceted snow. The snowpack is currently stable and avalanches are unlikely. The last significant avalanche event occurred on November 19. Knowledge of the spacial distribution of potential weak layers and sliding surfaces on and in the existing snowpack will be essential for managing future avalanche hazards.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A dry cold front associated with the leading edge of a low-pressure trough will move through the region. Clouds will increase and bring snow flurries and areas of light snowfall to the mountains on Thursday evening. Accumulations will be limited to a trace to an inch. Morning temperatures will be in the single digits in the valleys and in the teens in the mountains. Daytime highs will rise into the 20s. The snowpack is mostly stable, and avalanches are unlikely.