Avalanche forecast

Galena Summit & Eastern Mtns

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

You could trigger a large avalanche where the wind has formed drifts and stiffened the snow surface. Avalanches may break wider than expected. Expect loose snow avalanches in very steep, rocky terrain receiving direct sun.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Avalanches will be easiest to trigger in wind-loaded terrain and may break wider than you expect. You'll find slabs near and below ridgelines, on the sides of cross-loaded gullies, and on aprons beneath chutes. Wind slabs developed on a variety of aspects and well into the mid-elevations due to the shifting wind direction and strength of the winds blowing over the past 48 hours.

    Wind-drifted snow will feel stiff and may keep you on the surface. Watch for dunes, drifts, and snow pillows and listen for hollow, drum-like sounding surfaces. Cracks shooting out from your skis or boards are a clear sign you've found a wind slab.

    On the northern half of the compass, the storm snow buried a variety of persistent weak layers. Slabs are expected to be more touchy on these slopes. You may be able to remotely trigger an avalanche from lower-angle terrain above, below, or to the side of steep slopes.

    (3/15/2025) Small intentionally-triggered wind slab avalanche at 8200' on a N aspect in Baker Creek.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Loose snow avalanches are likely on very steep, rocky slopes receiving direct sun. These slides often initiate near the base of trees and rocks, gathering snow and growing in size as they move downhill. Rollerballs, or pinwheels, signify that the snow is heating up, and wet avalanches may soon follow. 

    While most will start small, they may grow large enough to knock you off your feet or bury you in channeled terrain. Even small slides are consequential above terrain traps such as gullies, creeks, and thick timber. Plan your day to avoid lingering under steep, sunny slopes when the sun is out.

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday, we observed numerous avalanches that released during our recent storms (photos). These occurred on all aspects as high precipitation intensity caused steep slopes to shed. 

So far, the largest avalanches have been observed in wind-loaded terrain on NW-N-NE-E aspects. These slopes had the weakest snow surfaces before the storm and were loaded heavily by strong SW-W wind. Today, these are the same slopes where you're most likely to get into trouble. Although spring snowpacks often stabilize quickly after storms, observations are limited, and we're exercising extra caution before stepping out into consequential terrain.

Enjoy this beautiful last day of winter, but keep your eyes and ears open for obvious signs of instability. Recent avalanches, muffled collapses, or cracking at the snow surface are your best indications that the slope you're on or connected to may be unstable. When in doubt, dial back your terrain choices; there's plenty of meadow ripping and low-angle powder to be found. 

Regions covered