Salmon River Mountains

Generally stable conditions exist, and avalanches are unlikely. Small, loose snow sluffs are possible in very steep terrain. Steer clear of large, overhanging cornices along ridgelines.

The last storm cycle brought us around 2 feet of snow, and ended on January 8th...No current avalanche problems exist now as the snowpack has gained strength. The avalanche danger is very low but don't believe or act like it can't happen at all!

Avalanche danger may not change for a while as the long term forecast is not calling for much more than the Sun. What also won't change is the need to continue to prepare for the unexpected avalanche or accident in the mountains. The danger is low, and large avalanches are unlikely. However, small avalanches can ruin your day in alpine or high-consequence terrain. Continue to evaluate the snowpack on slopes that are near and relevant to where you want to slide or ride, carry all of your rescue and first aid gear, and don't expose any more than one person in your group at a time to avalanche terrain while someone watches from a true safe location. There are a couple of things to consider as you head into the mountains: 

LOOSE SNOW: Small, loose snow avalanches are possible in very steep terrain. These may be wet on slopes getting heated by the sun, or they could dry on shady, steep and sheltered slopes all of which are likely going to be small... Many slopes that face the sun have been repeatedly cooked and refrozen over the past several days.The primary hazard is a small slide knocking you over and pushing you somewhere you don't want to go. 

 CORNICES: It's the time of the season when cornices have grown large enough to pose a hazard on their own. With recent warm temperatures at upper elevations, overhanging cornices can break off naturally or from the weight of a person. These large chunks of snow can break in unexpected ways and typically break much farther back than expected.

LOOKING AHEAD: The current surface snow is becoming increasingly weak due to prolonged dry weather and fluctuations in temps through the day and night.  New snow is not in the long term forecast, so our weak layers are forming and will not likely allow bonding of new snow...we will have to wait and see if the weak snow becomes a problem?   

This is a great time to enjoy the sun, practice your rescue skills, sign up for a rescue or a level 1 or a level 2 avalanche course. Check out our upcoming classes and events page.

If you're getting out and about in the mountains snap a quick photo and or, drop us an observation HERE.