Boletín de aludes

Galena Summit & Eastern Mtns

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
Ver en el mapa

Peligro de aludes

Wed
Alta montaña
1 · Débil
Límite del bosque
1 · Débil
Bajo el límite
1 · Débil
Open full map
Desactualizado: este boletín caducó 2 years ago. Estás viendo condiciones pasadas, no el boletín vigente.

Lo esencial

Triggering a large avalanche is unlikely, but not impossible. Watch for rocky, wind-swept slopes with variable snowpack depths—these are the areas where slides are most likely to occur. As the day warms, sluffs involving the surface snow may release naturally on very steep, sunny slopes. 

Problemas de aludes

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alta montaña
    • Límite del bosque
    • Bajo el límite del bosque
    Probabilidad
    Unlikely
    Tamaño
    1.5–2

    Your odds of triggering a large, dense slab avalanche are low but not zero. Avalanches are easier to trigger in thin spots at the edges of slabs and wind-features. Watch for these trigger points on the northern half of the compass, where the wind frequently blows, and the snowpack depth is variable. Many shady slopes in rocky alpine cirques fit that description. Some visual clues to identify suspect slopes:

    • Stiff or textured surfaces and wind-pillows, evidence the wind has moved snow  
    • Rocks sticking out of the snow, either near or well below ridgelines
    • Terrain where some part of the slope is at least 35 degrees in steepness

    If you do trigger an avalanche, you probably won't observe obvious signs of instability like snowpack collapsing or cracking beforehand. Any triggered avalanches have the potential to break above you. 

    Additional Discussion: Today's sunshine could cause loose snow sluffs to release naturally. These small slides could entrain weak snow as they move downhill, becoming large enough to knock you off your feet or sled and carry you where you don't want to go.

Avalanche Discussion

Triggering large avalanches is unlikely—but not out of the question. You may still find trouble in shaded, winded, rocky alpine cirques with variable snow depths. This video highlights potential trigger points near ridgelines or rocky ribs. 

In select terrain, you find isolated problems independent of persistent slab avalanches. Watch for slopes with the below characteristics to lessen your chances of getting surprised by small avalanches:

  • Shaded, very steep terrain (approaching 40 degrees in steepness) where the upper 6–12 inches of the snowpack are unconsolidated and faceted—you might be able to trigger sluffs or “facet-lanches.” These shouldn't be large enough to bury a person, but they could pack a punch, knocking you off your feet or carrying you where you don’t want to go.
  • Steep, rocky slopes basking in direct sunlight could naturally release an avalanche. These small slides could entrain weak snow as they move downhill, becoming large enough to knock you off your feet or sled and carry you where you don't want to go. Minimize the time you spend under steep, sunny slopes, and watch for a wet snow surface if you are traveling in steep solar terrain. This zone harbors the most terrain capable of these types of avalanches. Last night's near or below-freezing temperatures may help stave off warming. However, rocky cirques in the Boulders and Pioneers will likely warm faster than the northern portions of this zone.

You can always hedge your bets when skiing or riding in avalanche terrain by traveling with a knowledgeable partner and avoiding slopes that end in terrain traps, such as thick trees, cliffs, and creek bottoms.

Regiones cubiertas