Soldier & Wood River Valley Mtns

Generally safe conditions exist and triggering a large avalanche is unlikely. As the surface snow warms up, you may be able to trigger small wet avalanches in steep terrain. If you or your machine are sinking more than a few inches into wet snow, steer clear of slopes steep enough to slide. Avoid travelling on top of or directly below cornices.

Yesterday's snow, rain, and wind did little to increase the avalanche hazard. If you’re out in the mountains today, there are a couple of problems worth looking out for:

• Wet Loose: Warm temperatures and mixed precipitation during the day may loosen-up refrozen snow surfaces and make triggering small wet avalanches possible, especially at lower and mid-elevations. Rocky terrain that is sheltered from the wind will heat up quickly if the cloud cover breaks for extended periods of time. Move to lower-angle terrain or colder, drier slopes on northern aspects when the top few inches of snow become wet and slushy or rollerballs signal deteriorating stability.
• Cornices: Large sagging cornices exist throughout the forecast area and may be primed to unexpectedly peel-off given the warm temperatures. Minimize your time on slopes below these overhanging masses of snow, and stay far from the edge while travelling above them.

Even though it's low danger today, using safe travel techniques, carrying the necessary safety equipment, making a clear plan (with multiple options), and considering the consequences of even small slides are all great ways to keep the good times rolling.

Every observation helps paint a clearer picture of conditions, which is especially relevant with rapidly changing spring weather. Please consider submitting an observation (via our website or the Avy app) if you're out and about over the next few weeks!