Salmon River Mountains

Avalanche problems

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Likely

  Size

  1–2

  4-6 inches of new snow today in most areas except further North seeing up to a foot or more of new snow, along with gusty, 30-40 mph southwest winds, will push snow into leeward terrain and build thick slabs up to about one foot thick that are likely to be sensitive to a person's weight. Watch for clues as to where the wind has loaded slopes where you are traveling. Recent winds have shifted from NW to SW now...Most problem areas will range N-E-S, yet the local terrain will influence the loading direction. If you are seeing cracking or other red flags, find another lower-angle route.

  The 30mph+ wind is forecasted to last through Saturday...stay safe :)

• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Unlikely

  Size

  1.5–2.5

  Triggering a large persistent slab avalanche is becoming less likely.  A surface hoar layer buried 2/14 now sits about 1.5-2.5 feet deep (1–2 feet deep around West Mountain). This layer is responsible for many large avalanches over the past two weeks, mainly on wind-loaded terrain that faces NW–NE–E above 7,000 feet.

  Signs of instability may be absent, and slopes with multiple tracks can still produce large avalanches. Reduce your risk by avoiding slopes steeper than about 35°, particularly rocky, wind-affected alpine terrain, and be mindful of terrain traps like trees, rocks, and gullies. Travel one at a time in avalanche terrain.