This is Chris Lundy of the Sawtooth National Forest Avalanche Center
 with your Backcountry Avalanche Advisory and Weather Forecast for
 Monday, March 3, 2008 at 7:30 am.

 Bottom Line:
 Today the avalanche danger is estimated to be LOW. The snowpack
 throughout our region is generally stable. At mid to upper elevations,
 watch for shallow wind drifts along ridgelines and in exposed terrain.

 While these wind slabs are generally small, they could have
 consequences on steep, committing slopes. As southerly aspects soften
 this afternoon, be ready to head somewhere else if the snow surface
 turns to mush.

 Primary Avalanche Concern:

 
 

 

 

 Three weeks with no significant snowfall has given the snowpack a
 chance to stabilize. The snowpack in our northern area is fairly deep
 and well consolidated, while the snowpack closer to town still has some
 depth hoar layers lurking near the ground. Backcountry enthusiasts are
 venturing into steeper and more committing terrain, and the main
 stability concerns continue to be isolated wind slabs and the usual
 daytime cycle of increasing wet snow avalanche danger with afternoon
 heating.

 Recent north to northwest winds have transported what little snow is
 available to the lee sides of many mid to upper elevation terrain
 features. Winds are forecasted to increase today and shift more
 southwesterly. With a lack of moveable snow, wind slabs have been
 fairly shallow and isolated and dont seem to be very sensitive. However
 a natural wind slab avalanche was reported yesterday on Titus Ridge
 that released in very steep terrain. If you keep your eyes peeled,
 these wind drifts should be fairly easy to avoid. Remember that in
 steep and exposed terrain, even a small wind slab can have consequences
 if it knocks you off your feet or machine.

 We had a solid freeze overnight, and temperatures today arent supposed
 to get too outrageous, so I dont expect wet slides to be a huge
 concern. Pay attention to the softening snow surface on sunny aspects,
 especially at low to mid elevations, and be ready to head somewhere
 else if it turns to mush or becomes punchy.

 Current Conditions:
 Yesterday was a benign day weather-wise with pleasant temperatures,
 light north winds, and sunny skies. Temperatures were cool in the shade
 and warm in the sun, and reached anywhere from the low 20s to low 30s.

 Winds over the past 24 hours have averaged 5-15 mph from the northwest,
 but have increased this morning and shifted to a more westerly
 direction. Temperatures have also begun to increase and are currently
 in the upper teens on Titus and 20 degrees on Baldy, while in the
 valley its still in the single digits.

 Mountain Weather Forecast:
 The ridge of high pressure will pass overhead today with a low pressure
 trough right behind it. Skies today will be sunny for most of the day,
 with increasing clouds this afternoon and evening. Most of the moisture
 with tonights system will pass to the north of us, but we may still see
 a trace to an inch of new snow by tomorrow morning. A cold front will
 pass through our area early tomorrow morning bringing gusty winds.

 Todays mountain temperatures should reach the mid to upper 20s, with
 much warmer temps possible in sun exposed areas. A high of 37 degrees
 is expected in Ketchum. Ridgeline winds should increase through the
 day, blowing 15-25 mph from the west to southwest.