This is Matt Lutz with the Sawtooth National Forest Avalanche Center
 with General Snow and Weather Information on Wednesday, December 12,
 2007.
 This information will be updated on Friday. We hope to begin daily
 advisories this weekend, but are still holding out for another decent
 storm. Lets keep our fingers crossed.

 Backcountry Conditions: The North Valley and Sawtooth zones are the
 only portions of our forecast area that really have enough snow to
 recreate in at this point. Below 8000 feet the snow pack is very thin,
 punchy and weak. Above 9000 feet the snow is actually fairly
 supportable with a soft surface layer. Keep in mind that we currently
 have a highly variable early season snowpack and the rocks, snow
 snakes and bugger trees are barely covered.

 Avalanche Conditions: As I mentioned we currently have a highly
 variable early season snowpack. Below 8500 feet there does not seem to
 be much of a slab. Above 9000 feet the general trend seems to be a 1
 to 2 foot soft slab sitting on top of a loose sugary snow layer.

 Between 8500 and 9700 feet there is widespread evidence of an
 avalanche cycle that probably occurred during the Dec 3-4th storm.

 Although no new slides have been reported in the last week there is
 still a widespread slab sitting on a weak layer. Steep terrain above
 8500 feet should be approached cautiously as the only remaining
 component necessary to start a slide in this terrain may be a trigger.

 That would be you dude. Expect changing conditions as you move from
 aspect to aspect and change elevation.

 Weather Outlook: Our forecast area is expected to see a series of weak
 fronts moving though over the next 3 days. The Central Mountains may
 see as much as a few inches Thursday followed by another chance for
 decent accumulations on Friday night into Saturday. Pray for snow.