Avalanche forecast

Sawtooth & Western Smoky Mtns

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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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 widespread natural Wet Loose activity in the Northern Sawtooth 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. 

    (3/22/2026) 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.

    Since the storm ended, we've observed multiple large natural slab avalanches failing in shaded alpine terrain in the Sawtooths. These avalanches likely failed during or just after the most recent storm. Triggering similar avalanches today remains possible. 

    Look for this problem near and just below exposed ridgelines, large cliffs, 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 likely failed at the tail end, or just after the most recent storm between 4/2-4/3.

    9500' NE Northern Sawtooths near McGowan and Mystery mountains. 

    Photo: Sawtooth Avalanche Center

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