Avalanche forecast

Soldier & Wood River Valley Mtns

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. New snow and freshly formed wind drifts are stressing the thin and weak snowpack that exists in this zone. Avalanches will be most likely where the wind has built slabs, but are possible in areas sheltered from the wind. Human-triggered avalanches large enough to bury a person are likely today. 

COVID-19: The medical system cannot spare the resources required to care for injured backcountry skiers and snowmobilers. Search and Rescue will be delayed or unavailable. Please recreate responsibly close to home and follow social distance requirements to protect yourself and others.  

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–3

    The drought in February weakened the snowpack in this zone significantly, leaving a pile of sugary, faceted snow in most areas. Earlier this month, a concentrated avalanche cycle took place when this snowpack was loaded (photo at right/above). Triggering an avalanche involving this weak snow was a possibility even before the current storm added weight to these weak layers. Avalanches will be most likely on recently wind-loaded slopes, but they can occur on slopes that are sheltered from the wind as well. 

    Persistent slab avalanches can fail in ways that catch even experienced backcountry users by surprise. You may be able to trigger slides remotely: from flatter terrain above, below, or to the side of a steep slope. Choosing lower angled terrain not threatened by steeper terrain above is the only way to safely "manage" this problem. While these avalanches are most likely on recently wind-loaded slopes, they can occur on slopes with no recent wind-drifting as well. 

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Strong winds are transporting the 4-8 inches of snow that fell in this zone, building slabs 1-2 feet thick. These slabs will continue to grow in size and distribution throughout the day and will become more sensitive to your weight as they do. Triggering an avalanche involving one of these slabs is likely today. On slopes that directly face the sun, slabs are resting on stiff, icy crusts. Any slide you trigger in these areas will pick up speed quickly as it travels downslope. 

    You're most likely to find a reactive slab in upper elevation terrain where more snow falls and winds are most intense. Be on the lookout for these slabs near features that slow the wind down and force it to drop the load it is carrying. Use snow surface textures (like ripples and dune-like drifts) to help you identify these areas from a distance. If you are traveling through a wind slab, expect the snow to be a bit thicker and denser than snow that is unaffected by the wind. Cracks shooting out from your skis, board, or machine are a great sign that you've found a sensitive wind slab.

Avalanche Discussion

Today is the first day in two and half months that we have HIGH danger in our forecast area. The best way to overload a snowpack is to throw a rapid load of snow at it. Intense precipitation rates accomplish this well, as do strong winds. Right now we've got both of those things going on. The ongoing pandemic reminds us that the world can shift underneath your feet. The storm in progress should remind you of the same. Its been a weird winter to say the least, one marked by an overall lack of snowfall and long periods of relatively stable conditions. Today is different. If you choose to go into the backcountry, be prepared to deal with the full spectrum of mid-winter avalanche hazards. Dial back your ambitions and build a wide safety into the way you travel in the mountains. And remember that now, more than ever, your actions have consequences that affect the community around you.

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