Sawtooth & Western Smoky Mtns

Large avalanches are unlikely, and generally stable conditions exist. There's an outside chance of triggering hard wind drifts and slabs at upper elevations. Isolated wet loose avalanches are possible during the heat of the day. Dry, powdery slopes have the lowest chance of producing avalanches. 

You are most likely to find trouble on slopes near or over about 40 degrees in steepness. As always, "extreme" alpine terrain deserves our respect; think about where a small avalanche could carry you before commiting to consequential, wind-loaded slopes. Here are a few specific things to consider when planning your day in the mountains:

Wind Slabs: Most wind slabs have stabilized and are not sensitive to the weight of a skier or snowmobiler. That said, pay attention in very steep terrain where hard wind slabs overlie weak, sugary faceted snow. The "hard slabs over facets" can sound or feel hollow or "drummy". They are most widespread in alpine terrain. You'll commonly find them in chutes and couloirs. Weathered, hard slabs are typically triggered near rocks (buried or exposed) or on the edges where the slab is less than 2 feet thick. 

Cornices: Some cornices are very large, and many are sagging or overhanging. It can be difficult to tell where solid ground stops and the cornice starts. Give them space when traveling on ridgelines, and limit the time you spend beneath them during the heat of the day. Falling cornices can be great triggers for wind slabs below them (as seen in this observation).

Wet Loose: Small, natural and human triggered, wet loose avalanches are possible on very steep slopes while they are directly facing the sun and protected from the wind. These slides often release near rock bands or trees. If you're sinking more than a few inches into wet, mushy snow or see fresh wet rollerballs, move to cooler, shadier slopes.