Salmon River Mountains

Avalanche problems

• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Likely

  Size

  1–2

  By this afternoon, the spring sun may be in full force on the snowpack. Snow totals over the northern mountains ranged from 1 to 2 feet over the past several days. All this new snow may see sunshine today for the first time. If the new snow receives direct solar radiation, expect loose snow avalanche activity to rise. Loose snow avalanches will likely begin dry earlier in the day and progress to wet loose the longer the sun shines. 

  These avalanches typically begin at a single point (such as rocks, cliffs, or trees) and travel downhill slowly, picking up snow and momentum. Wet loose avalanches can pack a serious punch in steep terrain. Be mindful of terrain traps like gullies or depressions, where wet, loose avalanche debris can pile up quickly and deeply. If you're observing signs of the new snow becoming wet and unstable (shedding off solar objects like rocks, trees, cliffs, or rollerballs/pinwheels), it's time to switch to a different aspect that's not receiving direct sunshine.

  Underneath the recent storm snow, there's a thick melt-freeze crust across multiple aspects and elevations. Wet loose avalanches sliding on top of these crusts could become dangerous on steep south-facing slopes as the snow becomes wet and unstable. Below 6,500 feet, wet snow from recent rain likely sits underneath recent storm snow. Wet loose avalanches running into the lower elevation could entrain recently buried wet snow and become large. Be heads up around slopes steeper than 35 degrees if the sun is destabilizing the new snow.

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  1–2

  Over the last few days, elevations above 7,500 feet in the northern mountains picked up around 1-2 feet of snow (2-3" SWE). This new snow was accompanied by westerly winds gusting 25-35 MPH. WSW winds were blowing during the heaviest snowfall. Yesterday, winds shifted out of the NW. Today, the wind direction will migrate back to the SW this afternoon. As Bob Dylan said, "You don't need to be a weatherman to know which way the wind blows". With a frequently shifting wind direction, be on the lookout for wind slabs 1-2 feet deep above 7,500 feet, across all aspects.

  Strong winds and local terrain features can alter the prevailing wind direction. Pay attention to cross-loading and wind-loading on unsuspecting slopes. Wind slabs will be most sensitive just below corniced ridgelines. Look for clues of wind-affected snow, such as drifts, dunes, pillows, and freshly built cornices. Watch for signs of instability, such as shooting cracks in your skis, board, or sled. If you're observing these signs, find another aspect away from wind-drifted snow.