Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Strong and gusty southwest winds have formed new wind slabs up to a foot deep that will gain depth and volume as the day progresses. These slabs lie on slick old snow surfaces and are likely to be easily triggered by the weight of a single person. The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully and identify and avoid areas of concern including steep, wind loaded slopes and terrain traps.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A Pacific low pressure trough will pass over the region tonight. This system will bring periods of moderate snowfall and windy conditions. Many mountain areas will receive up to six inches of snow overnight. Localized higher amounts are possible. Lower elevations should receive several inches. Winds will be westerly at 30 to 40 with gusts to 55 miles per hour. On Thursday skies will be cloudy with periods of light snowfall. Several inches of additional accumulation are likely. Winds will be westerly at 25 to 35 miles per hour. Temperatures will be in the single digits in the morning and rise into the teens to low 20s in the afternoon.At the upper elevations (8,500 to 10,500 feet) strong west winds and new snow will form new soft slabs 12 to 18 inches deep. These slabs are not expected to bond well to slick old snow surfaces and are likely to be easily triggered by the weight of a single person on steep un-skied slopes. Isolated pockets of new soft slab six to 12 inches deep are expected to form in some steep avalanche starting zones below an elevation of 8,500 feet. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at the upper elevations and LOW below an elevation of 8,500 feet.