Salmon River Mountains

Wet snow avalanches are unlikely but not impossible on steep slopes across multiple aspects. Consider exiting the mountains if you are sinking into slushy snow or observe signs of wet avalanche activity. Overhanging cornices may be unstable, so give them a wide margin. Your best tools today are getting an early start & moving to gentler terrain or colder slopes if you observe signs of instability.

Low danger does not mean that there is no danger. Keep up good travel protocols like keeping your eyes on your partners and check your tanscievers before departure...don't let the easy things take you down.

Sunny conditions and warm temperatures  with rain on snow to the highest peaks overnight have destabilized the snow surface, increasing the likelihood of small, wet-loose avalanches on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. The most unstable snow will likely be on steep and rocky solar aspects from the warmth and direct sunshine of the past several days—slopes oriented E-S-W. Humans may trigger these avalanches, or they can release naturally, particularly near trees or exposed rock/cliff bands. These avalanches begin at a single point and fan out, collecting debris as they move downslope. They are commonly small, but can pack a punch in the exposed terrain or push a rider into consequential areas like over cliffs, into rocks, or places like lower lying depressions or concaviities. 

Small roller balls or pinwheels of moist snow can be an early warning that loose snow slides may follow. If you find yourself sinking into wet, mushy snow, it's time to find a safe exit from the mountains. Pay attention to what's above you. You can largely avoid this problem by sticking to colder, shaded aspects or lower-angle terrain.  

CORNICES - Some of these monsters can break off naturally or by the weight of a person. Give all cornices a wide margin, and be careful along ridgelines as they can break much farther back than expected. Limit your exposure underneath or adjacent to them. A cornice fall could trigger a larger slab avalanche breaking deeper within the snowpack. 

If you're out in the mountains, submit an observation on our website or through the Avy App. Tag us #payetteavy