Soldier & Wood River Valley Mtns

As the day warms, sluffs involving the surface snow are possible on very steep, sunny slopes and could release naturally. The snowpack is generally stable and triggering a large, thick avalanche is unlikely. Watch for rocky, wind-swept slopes with variable snowpack depths, as these are the areas where slides are more likely.

You’d have to have a bit of bad luck to trigger an avalanche in this zone. If you were to find trouble, it could occur under the following circumstances:

• Shaded, rocky alpine cirques steeper than about 35 degrees with a variable snowpack depth—this is where you may trigger lingering persistent slab avalanches. Exposed rocks and textured snow surfaces are visual clues that can help identify suspect slopes.
• Shaded, very steep terrain (approaching 40 degrees in steepness) where the upper 6–12 inches of the snowpack are unconsolidated and faceted—you might be able to trigger sluffs or “facet-lanches.” These shouldn't be large enough to bury a person, but they could pack a punch, knocking you off your feet or carrying you where you don’t want to go.
• Steep, rocky slopes basking in direct sunlight could naturally release an avalanche. These small slides could entrain weak snow as they move downhill, becoming large enough to knock you off your feet or sled and carry you where you don't want to go. Minimize the amount of time you spend under steep, sunny slopes, and watch for a wet snow surface if you are traveling in steep solar terrain.

You can always hedge your bets when skiing or riding in avalanche terrain by traveling with a knowledgeable partner and avoiding slopes that end in terrain traps, such as thick trees, cliffs, and creek bottoms.