Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Above 9,000 feet, persistent deep slabs remain the primary avalanche problem of concern. While the faceted snow near the base of the snowpack is rounding and gaining strength, the modest increase in load from today’s snowfall will keep the avalanche hazard at CONSIDERABLE. Backcountry travelers choosing to enter steep, active avalanche paths in terrain that held snow from early October are rolling the dice. You may get away with riding this terrain, but if you impact a shallow weak zone and trigger one of these slides, the consequences could likely be fatal. Make conservative terrain choices and come home to your friends and family this holiday season. In very steep, wind-loaded terrain above 7,500 feet, skiers and riders might still be able to trigger a pocket of wind slab up to two feet in depth. The snowpack is mostly stable below 7,500 feet, and avalanches are unlikely.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Expect mostly cloudy to overcast skies on Saturday as southwesterly flow brings a Pacific weather system and periods of snowfall to the region. Temperatures inversions will deteriorate, and daytime highs in the mountains will be in the mid 20s as the valleys rebound to near 30. Southerly to southwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 15 to 25 miles per hour.While the deep persistent weak layer is gaining strength, it will also receive a modest increase in load, and CONSIDERABLE avalanche hazard is still warranted. Lack of recent avalanche activity can lull people into complacency. Backcountry travelers that choose to enter steep, active avalanche paths in terrain that held snow from early October are rolling the dice. You may get away with riding this terrain, but if you impact a shallow weak zone and trigger one of these slides, the consequences could likely be fatal. Previous tracks are not an indication of stability with a deep slab problem, and large triggers, such as snowmobiles, are more likely to be able to impact this weak layer. Skiers and riders might still be able to trigger a pocket of wind slab up to two feet deep above 9,000 feet. With exception of very steep, wind-loaded avalanche terrain, the snowpack is mostly stable below 9,000 feet.