Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE today. Suface slabs to two feet in depth lie in the backcountry. These slabs could be triggered by backcountry riders or skiers in steep avalanche starting zones at high elevations where they are underlain by a hard melt-freeze crust formed last week. New snow expected today could add to the size and sensitivity of these surface slabs. The hard crust does not exist at lower elevations where avalanches are unlikely.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Several inches of snow is expected to fall during the day Thursday with 20-30 mph West winds following a period of higher winds during the night as the system enters the area. Mountain temperatures are expected to rise into the low twenties during the afternoon. The general avalanche hazard at high elevations is expected to remain MODERATE where pockets of slab to two feet could be triggered in steep terrain where they are underlain by the old snow crust. In areas where the crust does not lie, avalanches are unlikely as the newer snow lies directly on the ground.