Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The snowpack is mostly stable and triggering an avalanche is unlikely. Isolated pockets of unstable snow might exist on very steep, upper elevation, wind loaded slopes. Travel one at a time and identify consequential features and terrain traps.

This past weekend, the Salt River and Wyoming ranges received a couple inches of snow with westerly winds that formed shallow, soft wind slabs less than 6 inches deep. These wind slabs were initially reactive but are now trending more stubborn. Look for obvious signs of wind loading, such as shooting cracks and stiff or drifted snow. This is most likely around and above treeline, near rocky outcrops, or below ridgelines. Although not large enough to bury a person, these avalanches could knock you off your feet or machine. 

Prior to the minimal snowfall over the weekend, the forecast area had been dry for 2 weeks. Weak layers of facets, surface hoar, and crusts developed on the snow surface during this period. If you are venturing into the backcountry, start tracking where these weak layers exist beneath the recent snow. Depending on the characteristics of the next significant storm, these layers could create problems whenever it starts snowing again. 

Please give us a hand by submitting an observation. This information helps paint a picture of current conditions and contributes to accurate forecasting.