Salmon River Mountains

Generally stable conditions exist, and large avalanches are unlikely. Watch for small, thin pockets of wind-drifted snow forming today with light snowfall. Rainfall at lower elevations this afternoon could trigger small, natural loose avalanches on very steep slopes.  Continue to use normal caution and safe habits while traveling in the backcountry today.

Welcome to the New Year! Though triggering a large avalanche may currently be unlikely,  unlikely is not the same as impossible—avalanches can be triggered at Low danger. Today's forecasted 1-3" of new snow and south to southeast winds won't equal a season-long drought-ender of a storm, nor will they cause a significant increase in danger. However, any new snow falling on the old snow surface will likely be very sensitive. There are no obvious, widespread avalanche problems in this zone currently. But again, the current surface snow is very weak. Once enough new snow has fallen to create a slab, the interface between new and old snow will likely be reactive. 

As today's storm progresses and if you're out riding late, keep an eye out for fresh drifts of new snow. These slabs of new snow are likely to be thin and small but could be forming on weak facets or slick crusts. They will be more likely along exposed upper elevation ridgelines and in alpine terrain. There is also a small chance of triggering an older wind slab formed by winds this past week. Evidence of these older drifts may be masked by today's new snow, but will likely feel stiff, hard, or "drummy" underfoot or on a sled. New and older wind slabs will be most problematic in high-consequence terrain where getting knocked off your board(s) or machine, or getting taken for a ride by even a small slide, would be dangerous.

While low amounts of new snow may not cause a bump in avalanche danger, these wind slabs may become more of an issue later next week with a few more inches of snow and continued wind.

If you're out in the mountains, submit an online observation HERE. Even simple snow and weather observations can help keep other users safe and help us craft a more reliable forecast for you.

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