Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Generally stable avalanche conditions exist this morning. Wet snow avalanches may become possible by this afternoon as snow surfaces warm and last night's crust breaks down. If you notice wet, slushy snow or start punching deeper into an unfrozen snowpack, seek sun sheltered areas with firmer snow as the window of surface supportability has passed. Getting into, and out of the mountains early, while snow surfaces are supportable, is key in and around avalanche terrain.

Last night's temperatures barely dipped below or near freezing, but the snow surface should still have had a refreeze overnight from radiative cooling and consistent winds from the west. Snow surfaces should be firm this morning, but will gradually warm throughout the day. Surface warming will likely be limited due to mostly cloudy skies and wind. But, if the sun comes out more than forecasted, or there is a greenhouse effect from mid and low level clouds, there could be some destabilization of the snow surface in the afternoon.

Pay attention to softening of the snow surface. If it becomes wet and slushy, there is a chance of triggering wet loose avalanches on similar aspects with very steep slope angles, especially around rocks and thin places in the snowpack. When there is uncertainty in how warm it will get, it is crucial to pay attention to the changing conditions, have an exit plan, and adjust as snow surfaces warm.