Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The General Avalanche Hazard is MODERATE. Strong Southwest to Northwest winds and new snow over the weekend created slabs to eighteen inches in depth in steep, lee areas. These slabs lie on buried weak surface hoar and could be triggered by backcountry travelers and have the potential of stepping down to deeper weak layers with severe consequences. The foundation of the snowpack in the Southwest Trails/Greys River area is weak, sand-like faceted snow and the new snow load will make it easier for dangerous slides to tear out to the ground. Travel one at a time and evaluate slopes with avalanche potential before venturing onto them.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Overcast skies and strong southwest winds will precede a large storm system that will bring snow to the region by Wednesday night. Temperatures will be cooler with highs in the low twenties.The General Avalanche Hazard is expected to be MODERATE on Wednesday. Time, settlement and warm temperatures have helped to stabilize the snow pack but surface hoar and light density snow sit under the newer snow at depths of 10 to 25 inches and slides could be released in steep, lee areas. Larger triggers like two or more people at a time on a slope or making just the right ski cut could initiate an avalanche. Deeper, dangerous hard slabs continue to be of concern anywhere the snowpack is shallower or very steep.