Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The avalanche hazard is MODERATE at the higher elevations (9,000 to 10,500 feet) and LOW below an elevation of 9,000 feet. Northwest winds have formed pockets of soft surface slabs on leeward aspects up to 16 inches in depth. These slabs have not bonded well to slick or weak old snow surfaces and are likely to be easily triggered by the presence of a single person on a steep slope. Shallow, loose snow sloughs are also likely on steep slopes and steep banks. Good terrain assessment and safe travel skills are essential in avalanche terrain today.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Moisture will continue to move through the northwest flow and produce periods of light snowfall. On Sunday skies will be cloudy. Several inches of new snow are possible overnight and during the day. Temperatures will be in the single digits and teens. Winds will be northwest at 15 to 20 miles per hour. At the higher elevations (9,000 to 10,500 feet) the general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE. Small pockets of wind slab up to 18 inches in depth are poorly bonded to slick old snow surfaces. These slabs could be human triggered on very steep slopes. Below an elevation of 9,000 feet the general avalanche hazard is LOW. Isolated pockets of wind slab up to a foot deep exist and could also be human triggered.