Sawtooth & Western Smoky Mtns

Generally stable conditions exist. Watch for freshly formed pockets of wind-drifted snow—most likely in extreme, upper-elevation terrain on the northern portions of the compass. Expect to encounter firm, slick “slide-for-life” conditions today, and in many cases, the risk from an uncontrolled fall on hard snow may outweigh the current avalanche danger.

Our last daily Avalanche Forecast will be tomorrow. Throughout April, we will continue issuing twice-weekly General Avalanche Information products.

Cloudy skies, cooler temperatures, and moderate to strong winds will all do their part to keep wet snow problems at bay today. While unlikely, continue to stay vigilant for changing surface conditions, and consider seeking more supportable slopes if you find a mushy, unsupportable snowpack.  Additionally, today's moderate to strong winds may be building thin pockets of wind-drifted snow that a skier or rider could trigger—mostly likely in extreme, upper-elevation terrain on the northern portions of the compass. Remember, even small slides can have serious consequences in complex or extreme terrain. Give large, overhanging cornices plenty of space when traveling along ridgelines. 

Expect to encounter firm, slick “slide-for-life” conditions today. In many cases, the risk from an uncontrolled fall on hard snow may outweigh the current avalanche danger.