Salmon River Mountains

Generally stable conditions exist, and avalanches are unlikely. Small, loose snow sluffs are possible in very steep terrain. Steer clear of large, overhanging cornices along ridgelines.

We are entering week 2 of our current January high-pressure spell. There are no specific avalanche problems, and triggering a large avalanche is unlikely. The sun and the wind have done a number on the snow surface at middle and upper elevations. Above 6,500 feet, the surface is a mixed bag of crusts (MF and firnspiegel), weak snow (facets and surface hoar), wind board (sastrugi), and old tracks. (Time to brush up on all the interesting European terms for snow.) Keep these variable surfaces in mind when entering steep, exposed terrain. Continue practicing safe travel habits with your partners even during prolonged periods of low avalanche hazard.

As you head into the mountains, there are a few things to consider: 

LOOSE SNOW: Small, loose snow avalanches are possible in very steep terrain. These may be wet on slopes receiving direct solar radiation, or dry on steep, shaded slopes. Moving loose snow would likely be small and involve the upper 3-6 inches of the snow surface. A small slide could knock you off your feet in consequential terrain and lead to a bad outcome.

CORNICES: Cornices have grown large enough to pose their own hazard. With recent warm temperatures at upper elevations, overhanging cornices can break off naturally or from the weight of a person. These large chunks of snow can break in unexpected ways and typically break much farther back than expected.

LOOKING AHEAD: The current surface snow is becoming increasingly weak due to prolonged dry weather and diurnal temperature fluctuations. We are looking at another 1-2 weeks before measurable precipitation arrives. Our next weak layer is becoming weaker every day during this dry stretch and will eventually get buried.

This is a great time to practice your rescue skills or sign up for an avalanche class. Check out our upcoming classes and events page to learn more about nearby avalanche education. 

If you're getting out and about in the mountains, snap a quick photo and drop us an observation HERE. Tag us #payetteavy