Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard will increase to CONSIDERABLE. Strong winds and new snow will rapidly load a snowpack with buried weak layers and excellent sliding surfaces. As the day progresses the potential for slab avalanches up to three feet in depth to be human triggered or release naturally will increase. Safe travel in avalanche terrain today requires conservative decisions, careful route finding and good travel habits.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The next storm system will move into the region. Snow flurries will begin tonight but the more significant snowfall will develop after midnight and especially during the day on Friday. A cold front will pass over the region during the late morning hours. Several hours of very heavy snow are possible in association with this frontal passage. Strong southwest winds will cause periods of blowing and drifting snow across much of the area including valley locations. Most mountain locations can expect to receive 5 to 10 inches of new snow by Friday evening. Very cold air will move into the area behind this cold front.Strong winds and new snow will load a snowpack that has buried weak layers lying upon excellent sliding surfaces. The general avalanche hazard is likely to rapidly increase to CONSIDERABLE as the day progresses. If significant snowfall occurs slab avalanches up to three feet deep could be triggered by humans or release naturally on steep slopes that are being rapidly loaded by wind driven snow.