Avalanche forecast

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Sawtooth Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago.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

Highlights

Today's warm sun will cause loose avalanches and may rapidly consolidate storm snow into a triggerable slab. Watch for and avoid fresh wind drifts and slabs. Expect them to be larger and more common as you climb in elevation. You can reduce your risk by seeking out slopes that face away from the sun, where the snow surface remains soft and dry

We will issue our last daily Avalanche Forecast of the season this Sunday, April 5th. We will issue General Avalanche Information updates through late April or early May. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Clear skies and warm sun will cause natural wet loose 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 or small sluffs are clues that the snow surface is heating up, and wet loose slides may follow. 

    (3/22/2026) Wet loose avalanches in the central Sawtooths. 

  • 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. 

    Additional Discussion - Storm Slabs: Today's warm sun will rapidly consolidate recent dry powder into a heavier and potentially sensitive slab. Overcast skies yesterday morning likely did little to consolidate snow surfaces on E-NE facing slopes. Today will be the first day that the new snow on these aspects will see direct sunlight. Watch for cracking/ collapsing on slopes that are still holding dry powder and are now being exposed to the sun for the first time. 

    (4/2/2026) Small soft slabs and cornice were triggerable along this wind-loaded ridge line in the mountains near Smiley Ck. 

    Photo: Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Today, seeking the softest, driest snow is also the best way to reduce your odds of triggering a large avalanche. Slopes most likely holding soft dry snow are NW-N-NE at the middle/upper elevation transition. 

Expect conditions to change rapidly as the sun and warm air temperature cook snow surfaces. The sun is extremely strong this time of year; it won't take long to turn dry powder into mashed potatoes. 

Consider an early start and exit to maximize enjoyment and to minimize risk.

Regions covered