Sawtooth & Western Smoky Mtns

Triggering a large avalanche would take some bad luck—generally stable conditions exist. Avoid steep slopes where you're sinking into a wet, mushy snowpack. 

Conditions are generally stable, and avalanches are unlikely. Continue to use normal backcountry caution—make a plan before heading out, carry the appropriate avalanche safety equipment, and remain alert for unexpected conditions. Put in plain words; keep your wits about you and don't get lazy. Pay attention when traveling near cornices and in consequential avalanche paths, those with cliffs, trees, creeks, or lakes in or beneath them. 

A couple things to keep your eyes open for today:

• Wet snow: Cooler temperatures and clouds have put a damper on wet snow avalanche problems, but you could find isolated places where the surface crusts melt and you're sinking into a wet, gloppy snowpack. Shady, lower and middle elevation slopes sheltered from the wind are most likely to have wet snowpacks resembling oatmeal this afternoon. Wet snow avalanches are unlikely, but we would still avoid steep slopes where you're sinking more than a few inches into wet mushy snow. 
• Dry, wind-blown snow: You might find small, isolated pockets of wind-drifted snow if you're playing in the highest elevation, alpine terrain.