Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE. Significant snowfall and strong west winds that became northwesterly overnight have formed dangerous slabs in the backcountry. In steep wind loaded terrain, these slabs will be very sensitive to the presence of riders and skiers today and may release naturally as winds continue to load avalanche starting zones. These dense slabs may have depths to four feet and are likely carry serious consequences to anyone involved. Yesterday, widespread natural activity occurred including steep low elevation slopes where heavy snow fell upon a weak shallow snowpack.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Continued snowfall and strong winds are expected into Thursday morning as colder air moves into the area. During the day winds and snowfall are expected to diminish as the flow weakens. An additional six to ten inches could fall by Thursday afternoon. Mountain temperatures are to start in the single digits in the morning before rising into the upper teens. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be High as strong winds continue to load avalanche starting zones. Unstable slabs lie on a variety of aspects and elevations in steep avalanche terrain. These slabs could have depths to four feet at the higher elevations where greater snowfall amounts fell and the strongest winds blew.