Avalanche forecast

Galena Summit & Eastern Mtns

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Avoid slopes where the wind has formed drifts or stiffened the snow surface to significantly reduce the chance of triggering an avalanche.  While less likely, triggering avalanches is possible in areas sheltered from the wind. The effects of the wind, and the danger, increase as you climb in elevation. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1.5–2

    Expect to trigger 1-3 ft thick slabs where the wind drifted snow. Natural avalanches are possible, especially at upper elevations. Both the size and likelihood of avalanches will increase as you move up in elevation and as the storm progresses. You may find some wind slabs in middle elevation terrain that is typically sheltered from the wind.

    Many of the wind slabs overlie well-developed weak layers; here, avalanches could break easily, wider than expected, or above you. 

    If the snow surface becomes stiffer, you've found a wind slab. Cracks shooting out from your skis or boards are an obvious sign of instability. Watch for ripples, dunes, and fresh cornices, signs the wind has been at work. 

    Wind Slab avalanches could "step down", triggering the larger Persistent Slab avalanches described below. 

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Large, destructive avalanches over 3 feet thick are possible.  Wind-loaded slopes are most suspect. Snowfall and wind-driven snow is overloading weak faceted snow near the ground. On many slopes below 8500', the entire snowpack is weak and faceted. The chances of triggering one of these  powerful slides is greatest where it takes serious effort to push your ski pole to the ground, or your sled track is not easily punching through to the ground when you grab the throttle.

    Avalanches could be triggered remotely, from gentler terrain below, above, or to the sides of steep slopes.  Persistent Slab avalanches can break wider and higher on slopes (above you!) than you might expect.

    Snowpack collapsing and whumpfing noises are clear signs the snowpack is unstable. 

Avalanche Discussion

If you want to guarantee you won't get caught or buried in an avalanche, stay out of the way until the proverbial dust, or powder clouds, settle. The combination of up to 2 feet of snowfall and strong winds is too much for our weak snowpack to handle. Avalanches could release near the old snow surface or near the ground; in either case, the slides will be large enough to bury people.    

If you decide to head into the mountains today, recognize that avalanches can release naturally or be triggered from flat terrain a long distance from the slope. Enjoy the fresh snow and great skiing and riding conditions, but be careful about the slopes you choose to ski or ride as well as what's above you.

 

Regions covered