Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE at the higher elevations where strong southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds, along with dense new snow, have formed pockets of soft slab which lie on slick sliding surfaces. Backcountry travelers could trigger these slabs up to 12 inches deep in steep, wind loaded terrain. If snowfall continues throughout the day, the hazard will increase as these slabs continue to build. Cold overnight temperatures have set up the snowpack at the lower elevations and avalanches are unlikely.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )In the mountains, expect two to four inches of new snow overnight as a cold front moves through the region. Snow showers will continue through the day with an additional one to three inches by the evening. Rain or a rain/snow mix will be possible in the valleys. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the mid to upper teens before rising into the low 20s during the day. Valley temperatures should dip below freezing during the night and then climb into the low 30s during the day. Southwesterly ridgetop winds will veer to the west at 25 to 35 miles per hour overnight, and then decrease to around 20 during the day.At the higher elevations, the general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW Sunday morning and could rise to MODERATE during the day as new soft slabs form on slick sliding surfaces. Backcountry travelers could trigger these six to twelve inch slides in steep, wind loaded terrain. At the lower elevations, any extended periods of rain could increase the hazard to MODERATE and bring about the possibility of wet loose slides.