Soldier & Wood River Valley Mtns

Conditions are generally stable, and avalanches are unlikely. We have not received significant amounts of new snow or observed fresh avalanches in over 3 weeks. Be wary of hard wind drifts and slabs in extreme terrain.  On slopes that face the sun, small loose avalanches could occur once the snow surface becomes wet and mushy.

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.

You are most likely to find trouble on slopes around 40 degrees or steeper. As always, "extreme" alpine terrain deserves our respect; think about where even a small avalanche could carry you before committing to consequential, previously wind-loaded slopes. Some specific things to consider when planning your day in the mountains:

Wind Slabs: Most wind slabs have stabilized and are not sensitive to the weight of skiers or snowmobilers. That said, pay attention in very steep terrain where hard wind slabs may overlie weak, sugary faceted snow. The "hard slabs over facets" can sound or feel hollow or "drummy". They are most widespread in alpine terrain. You'll commonly find them in chutes and couloirs or on big exposed alpine faces. Old, weathered hard slabs are typically triggered near rocks (buried or exposed) or on the edges where the slab thins to less than 2 feet thick. 

Wet Snow: Small, natural and human triggered, wet loose avalanches are possible on very steep slopes if / when 1) they are receiving direct, unobscured sunshine and 2) are protected from the wind. These slides often release near rock bands or trees. If you're sinking more than a few inches into wet, mushy snow or see fresh wet rollerballs, move to cooler, shadier slopes. 

Cornices: Some are quite large, and many are sagging or overhanging. It can be difficult to tell where solid ground stops and the cornice starts; give them space when traveling on ridgelines. Falling cornices can trigger wind slab avalanches when they land on steep, wind-loaded slopes.

It's easy to let your guard down during extended periods of LOW danger. Good travel habits will continue to help you 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: Cracking, collapsing, or recent avalanches indicate that avalanches are possible.
• Only expose one person at a time when skiing or riding steep slopes.