This is Matt Lutz of the Sawtooth National Forest Avalanche Center with
 your Backcountry Avalanche Advisory and Weather Forecast for Thursday,
 March 6, 2008 at 7:30 am.

 The Sun Valley Telemark Series & Smiley Creek Lodge & the Friends of
 the Sawtooth Avalanche Center bring you this advisory.

 Bottom Line:
 Today the avalanche danger is estimated to be LOW. The continued
 stable weather has lead to a stable snowpack. Two issues to be alert
 for through the day are wind slabs along upper elevation easterly
 facing ridgelines and daytime heating of solar aspects.

 Primary Avalanche Concern:

 
 

 

 

 Over the last month we just have not received much new snow. This has
 allowed to the snow pack to stabilize nicely. The combination of a
 healthy snowpack and LOW hazard makes this a great time to get out
 into the mountains and explore.

 As you get into bigger country and commit yourself to more complex
 terrain be sure to use good mountain travel techniques. These
 techniques include having appropriate safety equipment, exposing only
 one person to a slope at a time, avoiding gullies, not loitering under
 large overhanging cornices, and using good communication within your
 group. Get out there and have fun.

 Terrain Discussion There are two types of terrain where you might see
 some surface instability today. The first would be along upper
 elevation northeast, east and southeast facing ridgelines. Ski cut any
 wind slabs or pillows prior to committing yourself to steep terrain.

 The second area would be on solar aspects as they pick up heat through
 the day. As solar aspects start to become punchy or wet think about
 moving into other terrain.

 Current Conditions:
 Higher elevation northerly aspects are still providing excellent soft
 snow riding conditions. Solar aspects are starting to feel like corn.

 Aspects in between are offering a mixed bag of fair to partly crusty
 conditions.

 Ketchum is under clear skies with a temperature of 8 degrees. Upper
 elevation winds are light with occasional moderate gusts out of the
 northwest. Upper elevation ridgeline temperatures are between 9 to 16
 degrees.

 Mountain Weather Forecast:
 High pressure continues to dominate the weather over our forecast area.

 Expect a pleasant day with clear skies, daytime high temperatures in
 the mid to upper 30s and a light northwest flow. These conditions will
 continue for the next few days.