Soldier & Wood River Valley Mtns

Conditions are generally stable, and avalanches are unlikely. Be aware of changing conditions and think about where a small sluff could push you, especially in extreme terrain. Along the northern border of this zone, avalanche danger is expected to increase overnight as snowfall continues to accumulate.

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.

At lower elevations and on most southerly-facing slopes, it does not look or feel like winter in this zone. 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.

The primary problem to be on the lookout for in this zone is dry loose snow avalanches on shady, wind-protected slopes facing NW-N-NE-E. If the upper snowpack contains about a foot of unconsolidated, sugary facets, expect sluffs to entrain additional snow as they move downhill. While these avalanches are generally small, they can be dangerous in consequential terrain, as they may push you into cliffs, trees, or other hazards. Loose dry avalanches typically start small beneath your skis or sled and grow as they descend. Managing this problem is often as simple as slowing down and allowing the sluff to run ahead of you.

The avalanche picture is changing today (finally!!!), so don't let bad habits from the extended period of LOW danger get the best of you. Good travel habits help stack the odds in your favor:

• Have a plan: Discuss route options, decision points, and what terrain is off-limits before you leave the truck or car.
• Bring the gear: Carry and know how to use your transceiver, shovel, and probe. 
• Monitor conditions: Is the wind transporting more snow than expected? Is it hotter and calmer than expected, raising the threat of wet avalanches?
• Look for obvious signs of instability: Fresh rollerballs, cracking, collapsing, or recent avalanches indicate that avalanches are possible.
• Only expose one person at a time when skiing or riding steep slopes.