Soldier & Wood River Valley Mtns

Conditions are generally stable, and avalanches are unlikely. We have not received snowfall or observed fresh avalanches in about 2 weeks. Watch for hard wind drifts and slabs in extreme terrain.

We will begin issuing daily Avalanche Forecasts with Danger Ratings when snow cover allows for reasonable backcountry recreational access. 

A snowpack exists on many slopes above about 6500' near the Coyote and Tornak huts; in the Warm Springs Ck drainage, including out of bounds on Bald Mountain; in the mountains north of Ketchum; and in the Soldier Mountains. If you're traveling in these areas, refer to the Galena Summit & Eastern Mtns forecast.

Most of the low elevation and southerly-facing slopes were bare until the late December and January storms. Access and travel remain challenging in many standard recreational play areas due to thin or non-existent snow cover. Plan for a real adventure if you choose to explore the mountains in this zone.

You are most likely to find trouble on slopes around 40 degrees or steeper. As always, "extreme" alpine terrain deserves our respect; think about where even a small avalanche could carry you before committing to consequential, wind-loaded slopes. Some 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. These are most widespread in windy upper elevation terrain that faces away from the afternoon sun (NW-N-NE-SE aspects). The "hard slabs over facets" can sound or feel hollow or "drummy". You'll commonly find them in chutes and couloirs or in alpine cirques. Old, weathered hard slabs are typically triggered near rocks (buried or exposed) or on the edges where the slab thins to 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. Falling cornices can be great triggers for wind slabs below them.

If the exteded period of high-and-dry weather has you wondering what to do, consider honing your companion rescue skills with your partners. Competing in beacon drills or shovelling exercises is fun and keeps you sharp. Both the Baker Creek and Baldy North Face beacon parks are up and running.