Salmon River Mountains

Large avalanches remain unlikely. Temperatures have remained above freezing at upper elevations for the past 72 hours. Give terrain underneath and near cornices a wide buffer. Small loose wet slides are possible on steep slopes facing the sun. Snow surfaces are firm and variable. Long, sliding falls are a consideration in steep terrain.

Today marks day 29 of our "Winter Killer" high-pressure (yes, we are counting). Total precipitation for January was around 3 feet of snow (5" SWE). Nearly all of which fell during the first week of the month. 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 long, sliding falls. Once these snow surfaces get buried by new snow (Sunday into Monday), expect an increase in avalanche danger as weak layers become buried under new snow. 

Upper elevations have not seen a solid freeze in nearly 72 hours. 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 could be on the table on south-facing slopes. Although these would remain small, wet slides can pack a punch and easily knock a person off their feet. 

If you're getting out and about in the mountains, drop us an observation HERE.