Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Watch for pockets of unstable snow on very steep slopes at upper elevations where shallow slabs may exist. Otherwise generally stable avalanche conditions exist across the region. Regardless of the danger, it is best to travel one at a time in avalanche terrain, keep eyes on your partners, and avoid terrain traps.

The last 6 days have provided a change of pace from the clear skied high pressure we have been experiencing since around January 9th. The snow surface has been refreshed with 2 to 4 inches of snow. 

Low danger doesn’t mean no danger. Here are the two scenarios where you might trigger an avalanche:

• Small wind slabs on leeward slopes at upper elevations. These will likely be soft, 4-6” deep, and need a very steep slope to slide. If a slope looks wind loaded, approach with caution. Cracking around your skis is a sign a slope might be unstable. Remember that even a small avalanche in consequential terrain can be dangerous. 
• Dry loose avalanches in very steep sheltered terrain. The dry spell of no snow from 1/10 to 1/24 significantly weakened the snow surface, taking away its ability to remain cohesive. Where this snow exists there is a chance you could get a slide to start and entrain this weak snow. Similarly with the wind slabs, remember a small avalanche consequential terrain could be problematic.

Also, if you are out and about in the mountains, please consider submitting an observation of what you see. This information helps paint a picture of current conditions and contributes to more accurate forecasting.