Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above an elevation of 8,000 feet. At the higher elevations pockets of surface slab could be human triggered in steep couloirs, beneath cornices and in cliff areas. Some potential may also exist for snowmachines to trigger hard slabs up to three feet deep in steep avalanche paths and on the walls of large cirques and basins. At the lower elevations the general avalanche hazard is LOW. Mostly stable snow exist and avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The transitory ridge overhead will keep conditions mostly dry overnight. Skies will be overcast on Wednesday as a zonal flow develops and brings increasing light snowfall to the mountains in the afternoon. Temperatures will drop into the teens overnight and rise well in the 20s during the day. Southwesterly winds will freshen from 15 to 25 miles per hour as the day progresses.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at the higher elevations and LOW below an elevation of 8,500 feet. At the upper elevations pockets of soft surface slab six to 18 inches in depth exist. Events similar to the one that occurred today are possible in steep couloirs, beneath corniced ridgelines and in cliff areas. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.