Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above an elevation of 8,500 feet. In the higher, exposed terrain, pockets of wind slab up to 18 inches deep sit on older hard slabs to three feet deep that rest on hard crusts. These slabs could be triggered by the weight of a single person or more likely by larger triggers such as groups of people or snowmachines. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,500 feet where the snowpack is mostly stable and the general avalanche hazard is LOW.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. ) A weak, upper level trough will move across the region tonight with periods of light snow through Monday with little snow accumulation expected. Temperatures at 9,5000 feet will rise from the low single digits in the morning to near 10 degrees in the afternoon. Winds will be northerly at 20 to 25 miles per hour. The general avalanche hazard above an elevation of 9,000 feet is expected to be MODERATE Thursday. Pockets of wind slabs to 18 inches in depth could be triggered on very steep, lee slopes. The second or later person on a slope may be necessary to initiate a slide in avalanche-prone terrain. Avalanches are not likely at the mid and lower elevations where the general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW.