Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Generally safe avalanche conditions exist. If we receive more snow than forecasted before the end of the day, watch for drifting snow and cracking in snow surfaces at upper elevations in steep wind-loaded terrain. Wet, slushy snow could be lingering at lower elevations this morning where overnight temperatures did not freeze. If you see any of these signs today, move to lower-angle slopes.

Temperatures dropped below freezing at middle and upper elevations early this morning as a cold front pushed in from the north and should remain cool all day. Skies will be cloudy, and winds will pick up this afternoon and shift to the north, gusting to 40 mph. Upper elevations will receive several inches of snow by tonight, and valleys will most likely get rain or a rain/snow mix this morning and then transition to snow. Even with cool, cloudy weather, there are a few avalanche considerations for today.

Low danger does not mean no danger - see below.

Snow and Rain - Depending on timing, type, and amount of precipitation today, it may or may not contribute to increased avalanche hazard later this afternoon. If upper elevations receive the higher forecasted amounts of snow before the end of the day, we could see wind slabs 8-12” thick form from increasing winds that will be gusting to 40 mph. Keep in mind that wind direction will shift from west to north to northeast, and shallow slabs could form on multiple aspects. While these slabs will be small, they could catch you off guard and knock you off your feet above hazardous terrain. Look for signs of drifting snow and cracking in new snow surfaces late this afternoon. 

At lower elevations, where a rain/snow mix is possible, I do not expect an increase in avalanche hazard. However, continue to monitor snow for any remaining wet surfaces from warm overnight temperatures or any shooting cracks in new snow later in the day. If you see any of these signs, move to lower-angle terrain.

Wet Snow Avalanches - We are coming off a very warm stretch of weather. My concern for wet avalanches is very low today, given the cooler weather, but keep in mind there is still water in the snowpack. You may still find pockets of wet, slushy snow at low and middle elevations where there was a very weak overnight freeze. While most of the incoming precipitation with the cold front looks to be snow, if we do get more rain than forecasted, this could contribute to unstable surface conditions, particularly at lower elevations. If you encounter wet snow and are sinking into your boot tops when you step out of your skis, move to lower-angle terrain. 

Cornices - Continue to give cornices room. With the recent sunny and warm temperatures, they could remain sensitive, and precipitation today will continue to load them.

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Human Factor 2.0 Backcountry Recreation Survey: For years, the avalanche community has worked to understand and address the human factors that influence decision-making in the backcountry.  A current project involves interviewing backcountry recreationalists traveling in avalanche terrain for at least one season. All participants will be entered to win some great raffle prizes (from Jones Snowboards, BCA, and more!).

Please consider taking 1-2 minutes to fill out our basic initial survey.