Salmon River Mountains

Large avalanches remain unlikely. Wet loose avalanches are possible on steep slopes facing the sun. If you're sinking into wet, mushy snow, switch to a different aspect. On shaded aspects, sliding falls are a consideration in steep terrain where snow surfaces are firm and variable. Give terrain underneath and near cornices a wide buffer.

Upper elevations have remained unseasonably warm for the past 4 days. Give large, overhanging cornices a wide berth during these warm spells. Cornices can peel off naturally from prolonged warming and are notorious for failing much farther back than expected. Loose wet snow avalanches will be possible on south-facing slopes. Even small wet slides can pack a punch and easily knock a person off their feet. If you find yourself sinking into wet, mushy snow past your ankles, it's time to move to a different aspect.

After 30 days of our "Winter Killer" high-pressure, we can finally say a long-awaited weather pattern change is on our doorstep. Low avalanche danger has been the theme for the past 3-4 weeks during this prolonged dry spell. This dry weather has wreaked havoc on the snow surface. Depending on elevation and aspect, there are melt-freeze crusts, near-surface facets, surface hoar, and wind-scoured surfaces. In the near-term, these variable snow surfaces have created challenging travel conditions and could lead to potentially dangerous, sliding falls. Once these snow surfaces get buried by new snow (Sunday into Monday), expect an increase in avalanche danger as we begin to build a slab on top of crusts and weak snow. It's a good idea to mentally prime yourself now for the shift toward a different mindset. Over the past month, most of us have been traveling and exploring in steeper, consequential terrain (Open Season). With a change in weather comes a change in avalanche conditions. Sunday and into early next week, new snow on a wide variety of surfaces will increase uncertainty and should encourage further assessment (Stepping Back). To read more about Strategic Mindset, click here. 

Interested in providing feedback to improve your local avalanche center? Take the survey here