Avalanche forecast

Sawtooth & Western Smoky Mtns

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Warm temperatures and rain are creating dangerous avalanche conditions. Natural and human-triggered wet avalanches are likely near and below the rainline, which should hover around ~8,000'. Above that, wind and snow will build sensitive drifts and slabs. Rain, thunderstorms, and wet snow drive unpredictable conditions. The safe play is tostay off and out from beneath large, steep, snow-covered slopes where you find a wet, mushy snowpack.

Avalanche problems

  • Wet Slabs

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

    Wet avalanches are likely today as the combination of recent warm temperatures, no overnight freeze, and continued rain pushes meltwater into the snowpack. Expect wet avalanches near and below the rainline, which should hover around about 8,000'. Middle elevation NW-N-NE facing slopes that remained mostly dry until last night's rain may be particularly dangerous. 

    Anticipate numerous small Wet Loose avalanches that gouge deeper as more of the upper snowpack is saturated with rain. Much larger Wet Slab avalanches can occur as percolating meltwater pools near weak layers deeper in the snowpack. 

    Wet avalanches are hard to predict. Some slopes may absorb today's rain with little avalanche activity, while others may produce very large and destructive avalanches. When faced with this type of uncertainty, it's prudent to build a wide safety margin into your travel plans. Avoid sloppy, wet snowpacks, and don't linger beneath large avalanche paths. 

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2

    Near and above today's rain line, be on the lookout for small Storm Slabs. Heavy, warm snow may have rapidly formed touchy slabs on some slopes, even those mostly sheltered from the wind. Climbing higher both snow totals and the effect of the wind will increase. Strong wind from the S and SE is expected. Look for sensitive Wind Slabs near exposed ridgelines and mid-slope gullies.

    Fortunately, managing these dry snow problems is straightforward. Pay attention to the depth and character of the new snow you're traveling through. Watch for fresh cornices, dunes, rippled snow, and areas with stiffer snow surfaces. These are clues that the wind has been at work. Cracks shooting in front of your skis or boards mean you've probably found a sensitive slab. Even small slabs can knock you off your feet or your machine. Consider the consequences of being caught before committing to riding steep terrain. 

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