Avalanche forecast

Sawtooth & Western Smoky Mtns

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanches are unlikely, and most slopes are safe. Watch for isolated wind drifts in very steep, upper elevation and alpine terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Last weekend's wind and snowfall formed small drifts and slabs at upper elevations. Tuesday in the Beaver Creek drainage, a skier triggered a small slab avalanche just below a corniced ridgeline (see photo). The slab failed on a subtle sun crust on an E-facing slope at about 10,000 feet.

    Although these wind drifts and slabs have had some time to heal, it may remain possible to trigger one where they overlie a weak layer such as facets and/or crust. Watch for pillows of stiff or hard snow on shadier slopes that weren't baked by recent sunshine and warm temps. These slabs are unlikely to produce an avalanche large enough to bury a person, but triggering one in the wrong place could result in serious consequences.

Avalanche Discussion

As the saying goes, Low danger doesn't mean no danger. Continue to use normal caution when traveling in the backcountry. What does normal caution mean?

  • Make a solid plan before a day in the backcountry. A plan helps you anticipate hazards (of which avalanches are only one), identify options for the day, and ensure everyone is prepared for an emergency.
  • Perform a trailhead gear check. A proper beacon check ensures everyone's transceiver can send and receive a signal. Is everyone's radio working and on the right channel? Airbags armed and ready?
  • Maintain situational awareness. Don't let your guard down even when the snowpack is generally stable. If you see a wind-loaded slope or another indicator of potential instability, don't assume it's safe just because the danger is Low. Identify and avoid other hazards such as large cornices.
  • Continue to use safe travel practices. It's easy to get sloppy with your travel practices during periods of stability. Continue to minimize your group's exposure to potential avalanche hazard, ideally traveling one at a time through steep terrain.

Regions covered