Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard above an elevation of 8,000 feet is MODERATE and will be increasing throughout the day. At these higher elevations strong southwest winds and new snow will load a weak snowpack and create unstable conditions on steep slopes with fresh deposits of new snow. The potential for humans to trigger slab avalanches up to two feet in depth will increase during the day. The general avalanche hazard below 8,000 feet is LOW, however shallow loose snow sloughs may occur later in the day on very steep slopes.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the western mountains and valleys of Wyoming. A winter storm will move into Western Wyoming late tonight. Light snow will develop after midnight and become widespread by sunrise. Periods of snow will occur through the weekend and could become heavy with strong winds. Up to eight inches could accumulate at the higher elevation by tomorrow evening. Temperatures will be in the teens. At the upper elevations (8,500 to 10,500 feet) the general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE. It will increase as the day progresses. New loading will occur on a weak snowpack that has demonstrated weaknesses. It will be possible for single skiers to trigger slab avalanches up to two feet in depth on steep slopes. The general avalanche hazard below an elevation of 8,500 feet is expected to be LOW.