Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Strong southwest winds and new snow will combine to rapidly increase the general avalanche hazard to MODERATE this morning and to CONSIDERABLE in the afternoon. New soft slabs up to 18 inches in depth will form upon excellent sliding surfaces. These slabs are likely to be easily triggered by humans and release spontaneously in response to rapid wind loading as they gain volume and depth. Safe travel in avalanche terrain today requires conservative decisions, careful route finding and good travel habits. Local knowledge and experience are essential. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 7,500 feet.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A deep upper low pressure system over Northern Washington State will move southeastward across Idaho tonight and Saturday Morning before moving into the Northern Great Basin Saturday Afternoon. This system will produce periods of moderate to occasionally heavy snow tonight and light to moderate snow on Saturday. Southwest winds associated with this storm will gusts to around 50 miles per hour in the high peaks tonight through Saturday afternoon. Much colder air will move into the region late Saturday Afternoon as a cold front moves across the area.Strong southwest winds and new snow will combine to form new soft surface slabs on leeward aspects. The new slabs will form upon excellent sliding surfaces and are likely to be easily triggered by humans and could release spontaneously as they gain volume and depth. Above an elevation of 7,500 feet the general avalanche hazard is likely to increase to MODERATE and could increase to CONSIDERABLE if heavy snowfall accompanied by strong winds occurs for a sustained period. Watch for signs of instability associated with a rapid rise in the avalanche hazard. The general avalanche hazard is expected to LOW below 7,500 feet where the existing snow pack is less than six inches deep.