Sawtooth & Western Smoky Mtns

Generally safe avalanche conditions exist, and large avalanches are unlikely. While it would take a dose of bad luck, you are most likely to find trouble on very steep, rocky, wind-affected slopes.  

There is no well-defined avalanche problem in this zone, and triggering a large avalanche is unlikely.  Here are a few things to consider, especially if you're taking advantage of the fair weather to play on the bigger peaks:

• Slope Angle: Avalanches are most likely on "prime time" slopes, those around 35-45* in steepness. 
• Wind Slabs: Thin, isolated wind slabs may exist in upper elevation, alpine terrain. The weathered slabs are effectively glued onto most surfaces. However, check to make sure any wind slabs you find are not resting above polished icy surfaces or pockets of weak, faceted snow before committing to serious terrain. 
• Weak Snow Near the Ground: Weak, sugary snow exists at the base of the snowpack on shaded NW-N-NE-E facing middle elevation slopes and on many upper elevation slopes. It would take a dose of bad luck, to trigger a 4-6 foot thick monster slide on this layer, but the consequences would be severe. 
• Cornices: Cornices are abnormally large for January. Continue to give these unpredictable features the respect they deserve. Almost every longtime avalanche professional has a scary cornice story to tell. 

As always, consider the consequences of an avalanche before committing to skiing or riding any slope. If you triggered an avalanche, where would it carry you? If thinking about the consequences makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up, you can find a friendlier slope to shred or ride.