Sawtooth & Western Smoky Mtns

Today's sunshine and very warm temperatures will increase the odds of small natural and human-triggered wet avalanches. These are most likely this afternoon in very steep, rocky terrain that is sheltered from the wind. On colder slopes at upper elevations, watch for pockets of wind-drifted snow.

While large avalanches are unlikely, warm temperatures and hot sunshine will weaken the snow's surface, causing some wet avalanche concerns this afternoon. Minor dry snow avalanche concerns may linger at upper elevations:

• Wet Loose: Yesterday, warm sunshine peeled recent snowfall from very steep slopes, and this activity may continue today. These slides often begin near rock bands or trees in areas sheltered from the wind. While most will be small, these slides could knock you off your feet or push you where you don't want to go. Rollerballs are a great clue that the surface is heating up and wet avalanches may soon follow. Deeper, gouging wet avalanches are a possibility during the heat of the day in very steep terrain. This morning's thin surface crusts will break down quickly, uncovering a lot of wet snow at middle and lower elevations. If you're sinking into wet, mushy snow, move to more supportable slopes or consider calling it a day.
• Wind Slab: Monday night's small storm formed thin wind slabs at upper elevations. Tuesday, skiers triggered small slabs in the Sawtooths and in the western Smokys. Look for these near and just below exposed ridgelines and cross-loaded gullies. If the new snow quickly becomes deeper and stiffer as you move, you've found a fresh slab. Cracks shooting out in front of your skis or machine are an obvious sign of unstable conditions.
• Cornices: These have grown very large, and many are severely overhanging. Give them space when traveling on ridgelines and limit time spent beneath them during the heat of the day. 

Remember that even small slides can have outsized consequences in extreme terrain. As always, continue to ride and ski within your ability, and share the day with a skilled partner.