Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE. The chance remains for riders or skiers to trigger hard slab avalanches in very steep terrain that were formed during the mid January storm cycle. Larger loads such as a group of skiers or a snowmobile may be needed to trigger such a slide. Once triggered these slabs may have depths to four feet and are likely to carry severe consequences. The possibility also exists to trigger new snow sluffs or shallow soft slabs in steep terrain.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Light snow can be expected Saturday and through the weekend with accumulations of three to six inches per day. Temperatures on Saturday are to reach the mid twenties and winds are to be light.The general avalanche hazard will be Moderate. The chance continues to trigger slabs on old weaknesses in the snowpack. In high very steep avalanche paths that received significant loading during the last storm these slabs will be hard, have depths to four feet and are likely to require large loads to initiate. In avalanche starting zones where less snow fell these slabs will be easier to trigger, be softer and have depths near two feet. The new snow will be susceptible to triggering as well in the form of new snow sluffs or as shallow soft slabs in steep wind loaded areas.