Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Steep avalanche paths without evidence of avalanche activity hold dense, unstable slabs that rest on a persistent layer of weak, faceted snow. These slabs may be easily triggered by the weight of a single person on some slopes, while other suspect areas may be crossed several times before a skier or rider hits a weak spot and starts a dangerous avalanche. Slabs depths range from 18 inches in depth at the lower elevations (below 8000 feet) to three feet in depth at the mid and upper elevations. Unpredictable conditions require careful snow and terrain evaluation to avoid features of concern. The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. ) Tuesday will have increasing clouds through the day as a Pacific trough moves toward the region. Light snow will begin in the afternoon. Mountain temperatures will reach the upper 20s and winds along the ridges will be westerly at 10 miles per hour in the morning , increasing to 20 in the afternoon. Steep avalanche paths that have not seen avalanche activity hold dense, unstable slabs that rest on a persistent weak layer. People venturing into steep terrain could trigger slab avalanches up to three feet in depth at the mid and upper elevations. Suspect slopes could be crossed several times before a skier or rider hits a weak spot that releases a dangerous avalanche. Careful terrain evaluation is essential to identify and avoid areas of concern. Isolated pockets of slabs to 18 inches in depth could be user triggered at low elevations in very steep areas such as ravines.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at the mid and upper elevations and LOW at the lower elevations.