Sawtooth & Western Smoky Mtns

Mostly stable avalanche conditions exist, and large avalanches are unlikely. You could find small, thin pockets of windblown snow near ridgelines. Small, natural and human-triggered loose snow avalanches are possible in very steep, sheltered terrain.

The danger is LOW, and large avalanches are unlikely. However, small avalanches can ruin your day. This is especially true in alpine or high-consequence terrain. We're not facing a single, well-defined avalanche problem, but here are a couple of things to consider as you head into the mountains: 

WIND SLABS: Yesterday's N/NW wind likely built some thin wind slabs. Look for them immediately beneath exposed ridgelines and beneath large cliff faces where snow has "spin drifted" down from above. These slabs are not likely to be large enough to bury people but they could travel fast on the icy surfaces beneath them. If the snow suddenly gets deeper and/or stiffer, you've found a wind slab. If you see cracks shooting out from your skis or boards, think about the consequences of being knocked over by a small avalanche before committing to skiing or riding the slope.  

LOOSE SNOW AVALANCHES: You might be able to trigger small, loose snow avalanches in very steep terrain. Additionally, direct sunshine could produce small, natural loose snow slides on aspects on the southern half of the compass. As with the wind slabs described above, icy surfaces beneath the new snow increase the chances of a small slide knocking you over and pushing you somewhere you don't want to go.