Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE. Recent strong winds and snowfall have created dense slabs one to three feet deep. Skiers and riders could trigger these slabs on steep, avalanche prone slopes. Strong southwesterly ridgetop winds will continue to move any remaining loose snow in exposed terrain, further loading leeward starting zones near ridgecrests. While enticing for high marking, these areas should be avoided. Any extended periods of sunshine in the afternoon will also make these slides more susceptible to failure on sunlit aspects. Yesterday, a natural hard slab avalanche was reported in the Strawberry Creek drainage at an elevation of 9,400 feet on a northeast aspect.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Expect increasing cloud cover and a chance for light, scattered snow showers on Monday. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low single digits before rising into the low 20s during the day. Ridgetop winds will back to the southwest and increase to 30 to 40 miles per hour.The General Avalanche Hazard is expected to MODERATE on Monday. Backcountry travelers could trigger slabs two to three feet deep on steep, wind loaded slopes above 7,000 feet. Use caution in steep terrain near ridge crests where wind loading has been more prevalent. Below 7,000 feet, the snowpack is mostly stable and avalanche activity is limited to isolated pockets less than a foot deep.