Avalanche forecast

Galena Summit & Eastern Mtns

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Sun and warm temperatures will cause loose avalanches on steep slopes once the snow surface becomes moist or wet. Dry slab avalanches are also possible on steep, upper-elevation slopes where wind has formed thick drifts and slabs. You can reduce your risk by choosing slopes that face away from the sun, where the snow is more likely to remain soft and dry.

Today is our last daily Avalanche Forecast of the season. We will issue General Avalanche Information updates through late April or early May. Thanks for the great season, everyone. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Yesterday, professional observers reported Wet Loose activity in the Boulder Mountains. Today, partly cloudy skies and warm sun will cause another round of natural and easily triggerable wet avalanches. Expect avalanche activity to begin on E and SE facing slopes and follow the sun through the southern sky, ending on W and NW facing slopes this afternoon. Although many of these will start small, they have the potential to become large and destructive if they gouge into a wet snowpack.

    Wet loose avalanches often initiate near the base of trees, rocks, and cliffs. Although slow-moving, these avalanches are surprisingly powerful and difficult to escape. Large relief or channeled terrain can increase the size and consequence of being caught. Roller balls and/or gloppy surfaces are clues that the snow surface is heating up, and wet loose slides may follow. 

    (3/23/2026) Wet loose avalanche in the Boulder Mountains. 

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The most recent storm, which ended on Thursday, formed drifts and slabs at upper elevations.  Although now a few days old, some sensitive slabs could still be lingering on steep, exposed upper-elevation slopes. 

    Look for this problem near and just below exposed ridgelines and along cross-loaded mid-slope gullies. Recent cornice growth, pillows, and dunes are all clues that wind was at work moving snow.  Cracking in the snow surface is a sure indication that you've found a sensitive slab. You can reduce your odds of triggering a wind slab by sticking to more wind-sheltered slopes with soft powder at the surface. 

    (4/4/2026)

    This large avalanche occurred in the nearby zone, in the Western Smokys. This likely failed at the tail end or just after the storm ended between 4/2-4/3. 

    Pk 10,129, above Alturas Lake. 

    Photo: Sawtooth Avalanche Center

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