Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Problemas de aludes

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alta montaña
  • Límite del bosque
  • Bajo el límite del bosque

  Probabilidad

  Likely

  Tamaño

  1–2

  This forecast zone has received 6-8” of new snow in the past two days along with strong southwest and westerly winds at velocities capable of moving snow. Four to six inches more snow and strong southwesterly wind at the ridgetops will continue to build wind slabs today. Wind slabs exist where you see signs of wind-loading such as drifts, cornices, scalloped or textured surfaces and areas that have been scoured to the ground. Shooting cracks, wind whales and hollow sounding firm slabs are red flags that signal you’ve found the problem. Avoid steep slopes that show these warning signs.

  

• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alta montaña
  • Límite del bosque
  • Bajo el límite del bosque

  Probabilidad

  Unlikely

  Tamaño

  1.5–3

  The warm temperatures and rain in the region of the past weeks has created a number of crusts deeper in the snowpack. These crusts and the weak snow nearby have been responsible for larger avalanches in the region. Observations in the Salt River and Wyoming Ranges have been sparse so it is hard to pin down the exact distribution of this problem. Dig occasionally to find these crusts, especially the ones one to two feet beneath the surface, and look for thin layers of weak, sugary snow nearby. You’re most likely to find these layers above 8,000’, especially in steep, rocky terrain. Continue to evaluate steep terrain carefully, feel for these layers with a probe or dig a quick pit and always practice safe travel habits.