Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The snowpack is generally stable and triggering an avalanche is unlikely. Isolated areas of unstable snow might exist in very steep terrain. Assess the snowpack and terrain before entering consequential slopes. Travel one at a time and avoid terrain traps.

Outlier avalanche events can occur on low danger days. The snowpack has had 12 days to adjust from the last snowfall, and as a result, the majority of terrain is stable. When I’m riding during low danger, I still assess very steep slopes on the north half of the compass that are rocky or wind loaded. Isolated areas in this type of terrain could have slightly elevated avalanche hazard, where buried weak layers (dormant in most places) are closer to the surface and more easily impacted. If you are unsure about your assessment, consider the consequences if the slope were to avalanche. This also applies to smaller slopes above terrain traps, such as narrow creek beds. Isolated pockets of buried surface hoar potentially exist in this terrain, and while the likelihood is very low, the consequence is significant. The recent tragic accident in the southern Salt River range is a sobering reminder to remain vigilant in avalanche terrain. The preliminary report is available for more info.

If you are riding in areas exposed to the wind, pay attention to snow surfaces. It is unlikely that you will trigger any old, stubborn wind slabs, but large triggers like snowmobiles don’t work in your favor. Feel for stiff and hollow wind slabs and look for shooting cracks. A very small wind slab avalanche can still knock you off your sled above dangerous slopes.

Continue to use safe travel techniques. Travel one at a time in avalanche terrain, keep an eye on your crew, and avoid terrain traps.