Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Steep avalanche paths that have not had avalanche activity from last weekend's storm 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 slopes may be crossed several times before a skier or rider hits a weak spot and triggers 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. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully with these unpredictable conditions. The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. ) Skies will be mostly clear overnight as high pressure builds into the region for Sunday. Partly cloudy skies are expected for Sunday with temperatures rising to the low 20s after morning lows near ten. Inversions will cause valley floor temperatures to start the morning near zero then warm to the low 20s. Ridge top winds will be northwesterly at 15 miles per hour. Steep avalanche paths that have not seen avalanche activity from last weekend's storm hold dense, unstable slabs that sit 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 triggers a dangerous avalanche. These dangerous conditions necessitate a conservative approach as consequences from an avalanche could be severe. 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.