Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Since midnight, snowfall rates and wind speeds have increased, resulting in the formation of wind slabs in steep terrain above 9000 feet. These slabs will increase in size and sensitivity today as they are further loaded by additional snowfall and sustained strong winds. By this afternoon, pockets of slab could be triggered on steep wind loaded features near ridges and in cliffy terrain. Below 9000 feet, the snowpack is stable and avalanche activity will be limited to small isolated events involving new snow in very steep terrain. Extra caution is advised as small slides can still carry severe consequences and during the COVID situation, any additional strain to the health care system should be avoided. Practice recommended protocols involving the COVID-19 pandemic such as social distancing at access points.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A Pacific system entering the area will bring snow from late tonight through Tuesday night. The heaviest snowfall will occur from midnight through Tuesday morning. Five to ten inches of snow could fall at the higher elevations by 5pm Tuesday. Temperatures are to be cooler with a high at 9000 feet near twenty degrees. Strong winds with 25 to 35 mph averages are to blow from the southwest in the morning and the west in the afternoon. The general avalanche danger will remain Low below 9000 feet where a stable snowpack exists and accumulations are to be on the lighter side. Above 9000 feet, the avalanche danger is expected to be Low in the morning and could increase to Moderate in the afternoon as new snow and wind form new wind slabs and add to existing wind slabs in very steep terrain. The amount of precipitation, the strength of the wind and the timing of both will determine if and when the danger increases to Moderate.