Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Avalanches are unlikely across the majority of the region. Watch out for pockets of unstable snow in steep wind affected terrain. Cracking around your skis is a sign that you have found one of these pockets. Use caution in consequential terrain where even a small slide could have serious consequences if it knocks you off your feet.

The January Drought has made good riding a bit more scarce, but it has allowed much of the snowpack to stabilize. Human triggered avalanches are unlikely and while the danger is green, low danger doesn’t mean no danger, so here are some avalanche problems to think about:

• Wind slab avalanches in wind affected terrain. Cracking around your skis is a sign of a wind slab, if on a steep slope you may want to reconsider proceeding.
• Wet loose avalanches on very steep slopes facing the sun, especially in the later afternoon. Roller balls and wet snow surfaces are a sign that the surface is weakening.
• Dry loose avalanches in very steep and sheltered terrain. The snow surface has grown so weak that you can initiate avalanches that will entrain snow.

Even when conditions are generally stable, stay vigilant. If you are out in the mountains, please consider submitting an observation! We can’t be everywhere and this information helps us make better avalanche forecasts, even during low danger.