Soldier & Wood River Valley Mtns

Natural and human-triggered wet avalanches are possible as warm sunshine melts snow at the surface. These often initiate below cornices, cliffs, and rock bands on very steep, wind-sheltered slopes that face the sun. Snowballs rolling downslope indicate the snow surface is softening, and loose snow avalanches may soon follow. Be on the lookout for sensitive pockets of wind-blown snow in terrain exposed to the wind. Cracks shooting out from your skis or machine are a clear sign of an unstable slab.

Wet SnowToday's unimpeded spring sunshine will overcome crusts on the snow surface, increasing the likelihood of wet snow avalanches. Shedding of our most recent snowfall began with windows of sunshine over the weekend (photo) and accelerated with a bluebird day on Monday (Boulders, Pole Ck, Sawtooths). Cloud cover and a cool breeze helped mute wet avalanche activity yesterday until the late afternoon.

Over the last few days, the gradual and piecemeal nature of wet activity has cleaned many slopes of their loose, dry snow at the surface either by avalanching or baking it into the underlying crust. Today, wet avalanches are most likely on slopes where this dry snow has eluded the heat. One such location is mostly shaded N-facing slopes with large rock formations. Despite the overall cooler North aspect, the East and West facing rock walls above you are basking in the sun. Snow that peels from the rocks can cause avalanches on the slopes below (Smokys, Sawtooths). 

Most of the wet avalanche activity we've seen has involved snowfall from the past week, running fast and far on slick crusts. Below the crust, the snowpack remains wet from last week's rain. The chance for deeper wet avalanches that gouge into this wet snow will increase as temperatures climb into the afternoon. Take advantage of this morning's strong crusts, and be prepared to head to colder snow or pack it in early if conditions deteriorate. 

Dry SnowWhile wet avalanche concerns top the problem list, there's a lot of winter to be found on shadier slopes and at upper elevations. Wind speeds kicked up yesterday in high peaks across the forecast area (photo). Wind from the W and NW preferentially moved snow to sunnier aspects that harbor variable snow surfaces and crusts. These slabs won't have time to bond before you top out your mid-morning summit. Anticipate touchy slabs just below ridges that guard the entrance to steep lines. Fresh cornice growth may be touchy and can giveaway beneath your feet. Give these features a wide berth and don't linger beneath them. 

I hope you enjoy the amazing skiing and riding today has to offer. Make a plan, continually assess the conditions, and challenge your expectations. Flexibility is the key to success. If it doesn't feel right, it's not the right time. Give yourself options, and don't overcommit; you can always return another day.