Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The General Avalanche Hazard is CONSIDERABLE. New snow and strong winds have created easily triggered slabs on lee and cross loaded slopes over a foot in depth. The new snow sits on weak, faceted surfaces from the Thanksgivng dry spell. Under the facets is light density snow over firm, dense snow that will make a good running surface for new slides. Also, above 9,000 feet, backcountry travelers could trigger isolated pockets of older slabs to 18 inches in depth in very steep, north facing starting zones that lie upon weak, deeper old-snow surfaces. Slopes lack sufficient snow coverage for avalanche activity below 9,000 feet.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. ) Scattered snow showers are forecasted for Tuesday night with the chance of a few inches of snow from bands of moisture that will move across the region. Wednesday will be mostly dry and cold with a few mountain snow showers and high temperatures in the single digits. The General Avalanche Hazard is expected to return to LOW. The new light snow will hold the potential for isolated slabs in steep lee areas. Backcountry travelers should watch for these pockets where the strong winds have created slabs.