Soldier & Wood River Valley Mtns

Generally stable conditions exist, and large avalanches are unlikely. However, we can't rule out triggering a large avalanche in exposed upper and middle elevation terrain. There, rocky slopes with variable snow depths are the most likely places to find trouble. To reduce your risk, consider the consequences of being caught in a slidebefore playing in large avalanche paths. 

The danger will probably rise after dark as a storm moves into the area. 

Today's primary concern is triggering a Persistent Slab avalanche on weak layers buried in the upper 2-3 feet of the snowpack. Where is this most likely?

• Middle and upper elevation slopes on the northern half of the compass where surface hoar or facets exist, above crusts on some slopes. The weak layers can be subtle and difficult to see or feel in snowpits.
• Slopes where wind frequently transports snow, forms drifts, or stiffens the snowpack.
• Slope angles in the "prime time" range where the majority of slab avalanches release, around 37-50 degrees.
• Exposed, windy slopes with variable snow depths and rocks sticking up above the snowpack.

The more bullet points you check, the more you should be thinking about triggering a large avalanche. 

You probably won't experience obvious signs of instability like snowpack collapsing or cracking. When avalanches release, they could break well above you on the slope and be wider than expected. 

Most slopes are stable, but the chance of triggering a large avalanche is not zero. Determining if the chance of triggering a slide on a questionable slope is 1-in-20, 1-in-100, 1-in 1000, or 1-in-10,000 can be difficult for even the most seasoned backcountry travelers. However, we have higher confidence about the size of avalanches we can trigger: large enough to bury people. One way to manage risk is to carefully consider the consequences of being caught in an avalanche. Could a slide carry you into trees, over cliffs, or into a creek or gully where avalanche debris could pile up deep? Choosing terrain that reduces the consequences of an avalanche is much easier than definitively determining whether or not you can trigger an avalanche. 

"New snow" instabilities: You may find isloated, thin, fresh wind slabs at upper elevations. Today's wind could build existing slabs or form new slabs. While not large, the wind slabs could be sensitive to triggering where they overlie crusts and/or small, weak faceted snow crystals. If tonight's storm arrives earlier than forecasted or if you are out near sunset, expect wind slabs to grow in thickness and width and become easier to trigger.