Sawtooth & Western Smoky Mtns

Triggering a large avalanche is unlikely, and generally safe conditions exist. Small wet avalanches may become possible in steep terrain where the snow surface is soft and wet. These slides can release on their own or be triggered by riders. Give sagging cornices a wide berth.

After a few days of lovely sunshine and warm spring temperatures, the next 24 hours will bring another brief window of winter to the forecast area. The 1-2 inches of snowfall (and rain at lower elevations) expected to fall today will do little to change the avalanche equation, but tomorrow could be a different story with an additional 1-6 inches of snowfall and increasing winds overnight.

If you’re out in the mountains today, there are a couple of problems worth looking out for:

• Wet Loose: Warm temperatures and mixed precipitation during the day may loosen-up refrozen snow surfaces and make triggering small wet avalanches possible, especially at lower and mid-elevations. Rocky terrain that is sheltered from the wind will heat up quickly if the cloud cover takes longer than expected to build. Rollerballs and a slushy snow surface are clues that the snow is heating up, and wet avalanches may soon follow.
• Cornices: Large sagging cornices exist throughout the forecast area and may be primed to unexpectedly peel-off given the warm temperatures. Give them a wide berth.

Even though it's low danger today, using safe travel techniques, carrying the necessary safety equipment, making a clear plan (with multiple options), and considering the consequences of even small slides are all great ways to keep the good times rolling.