Soldier & Wood River Valley Mtns

Expect generally safe avalanche conditions. Be on the lookout for small wind drifts in very steep, upper elevation terrain. The chance for small wet avalanches will increase as the snow surface turns mushy during the heat of the day.

WARMEST DAYS OF THE YEAR

Warm air is filtering in from the SW and temperatures are on the rise. Today will be the last "somewhat cool" day as mountain high temperatures reach into the low 40s F and a light to moderate breeze blows along ridgelines. We'll see continued warming Friday through Sunday as some mountain locations crest 50 F for the first time this season. Although large avalanches are not likely today, keep these hazards in mind as you head into the hills:

Wet Avalanches - This morning, snow surfaces will be locked up tight from an overnight freeze. However, as the sun beats down and air temperatures warm, the threat of wet avalanches will increase. In some locations, surface crusts may soften quickly thanks to a dust layer deposited during Monday's extreme wind. Small wet loose avalanches were observed yesterday in the Sawtooths and north of Ketchum and will be more likely today.  If you find yourself sinking into wet/slushy snow you've missed the boat and it's time to pack it in or find cooler slopes to ride. With a little planning, you can greatly reduce your exposure to this problem—here are a few tips:

• Get an early start and plan to return to the trailhead before the heat of the afternoon.
• Limit the time you spend underneath large, steep, rocky slopes directly facing the sun.
• Seek out cooler snow, either higher on the mountain or on slopes shaded from the sun. 

This problem will become more pronounced in the coming days with weak freezes overnight and warmer temperatures during the day.

Wind Slabs - Monday's extreme wind formed thin slabs in some middle and upper elevation terrain. These slabs are not widespread, but they're worth looking out for, particularly in very steep, upper elevation terrain. On Tuesday, Ben saw a fairly recent wind slab avalanche on an upper elevation slope near Banner Summit. While any wind slabs you trigger probably won't be large enough to bury you, they could knock you off your feet or sled and carry you somewhere you don't want to be. If you see cracks shooting out from your boards or skis or if you feel the snow become notably stiffer, picture what would happen to you if you trigger a small avalanche. If that image makes you shudder, try to find slopes with less wind drifting and simpler terrain. 

PLEASE HELP US HELP YOU:  We want to learn more about how you use the Forecast and our products. Kelly Rice-McNeil (Eastern Oregon University) and Victor McNeil (Wallowa Avalanche Center) are spearheading a project to understand how you use avalanche center products and, ultimately, to improve them. While you're waiting for the corn cycle to kick into gear again, help us help you by taking 10 minutes or so to fill out a survey. Teaser: there is a little SAC-specific questioning involved - please participate and get your backcountry partners, friends, family, and clients involved! Google Forms link:  https://forms.gle/YwgEwHRnT4ucSF226