Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above 8,500 feet and LOW below 8,500 feet. At the higher elevations, pockets of surface slab, which could build to 18 inches by the end of the day, lie upon firm crusts and surface hoar. As the day progresses, these slabs will be more likely to release as dense new snow adds weight and temperatures warm. Backcountry travelers could trigger these slabs, possibly remotely, in steep, avalanche prone terrain. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,500 feet where snow depths are generally less than a foot deep.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service. Southwesterly flow will bring a series of fast moving short waves into the region beginning Saturday night through Sunday. Six to ten inches of new snow will be possible by Sunday evening. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low 20s before rising to near 30 during the day.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW Sunday morning, but could rise to MODERATE during the day as new snow adds weight to existing persistent slabs. These slabs could increase in depth to two feet by the end of the day, particularly on the west slope of the Tetons where more snow has fallen this season. New shallow storm slabs could also present a problem for backcountry travelers in steep, wind loaded terrain. With a shallow, early season snowpack, triggering small slides can be deadly if they carry people into exposed rocky areas or terrain traps, or over cliffs. Evaluate the snow and terrain carefully and identify features of concern.