Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Avalanche problems

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Likely

  Size

  1–2

  Up to a foot of new snow has fallen over the past 48 hours in the Salt/Wyoming Rnages. Extremely strong winds out of the southwest have redistributed the recent snow and formed wind slabs 1-1.5 feet deep in loaded terrain. Depths could be as deep as 2.5 feet in heavily loaded areas along ridgelines and near the base of cliffs. These slabs will be hard in the upper elevations and softer below 9,000’. Triggering a wind slab will be likely in terrain steeper than about 35 degrees today, though slabs may be stubborn to initiate given the high wind speeds. Look for slab development further down and across slopes than normal. Cracking and recent avalanches are sure signs of instability within the recent snow, though these signs may not present themselves before triggering.

  An additional 2-4 inches of new snow accompanied by moderate to strong winds out of the southwest is expected today. Be on the lookout for newly forming slabs as the day progresses and remember that avalanches may break deeper than you expect given the recent snow totals.

• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  1–1.5

  Low elevation temperatures are in the upper 30s and low 40s this morning and are not expected to drop below freezing today. 4-8 inches of snow has fallen at this elevation band in the past 48 hours. Wet loose avalanches will be possible in very steep terrain below 8,000’ today. Potential rain on snow today could destabilize the surface even further. Be on the lookout for wet unconsolidated snow and be wary of road cuts or steep gullies where these slides will have the biggest consequences.