Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above 7,500 feet. Forcasted heavy snowfall and south-southwest winds will develop easily triggered soft slabs on lee slopes by afternoon. The depth of these slabs will increase through the day. Be alert to local conditions where stronger winds or heavier snowfall rates will create areas of higher hazard. Below the new snow dense surface slabs up to 30 inches deep lie on weak, lighter density snow and hard old snow surfaces. The deeper slabs could be released by surface avalanches or by more than one person at a time on a slope. Avalanches are unlikely at elevations below 7,500 feet where the general avalanche hazard is LOW.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A strong winter storm is forecasted to bring several inches of snow overnight and continue through Saturday at all elevations. Ridgetop winds will be southwesterly overnight at thirty miles per hour then southerly Saturday. Temperatures will be in the low to mid twenties.With forecasted snow and winds, dangerous slabs will develop on lee slopes at Mid and Upper elevations by Saturday morning. Rapid snowfall rates will increase the size and sensitivity of the slabs through the day. As new slabs grow the potential to pull out deeper, hard slabs will increase. The avalanche hazard will rise rapidly during the day and may reach HIGH by afternoon.