Avalanche forecast

Galena Summit & Eastern Mtns

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering a large avalanche is possible. You can avoid steep, rocky terrain where the wind has drifted or stiffened the snow surface to reduce your chances of finding trouble.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    You're mostly likely to trigger a dense, 2-5 foot thick slab avalanche on slopes facing the northern 2/3 of the compass, where the wind frequently blows, and the snowpack depth is variable. Although large avalanches are becoming less likely, eliminating the chance of triggering a big slide is tricky. Some visual clues to identify suspect slopes:

    • Cornices, wind-pillows, and textured surfaces indicate the wind has been at work.  
    • If you see rocks sticking out of the snow, expect variable snowpack depths. Avalanches are easier to trigger in thin spots at the edges of slabs, near ridgelines, and along rocky, mid-slope ribs.

    Remotely triggering an avalanche from flat terrain near steep slopes remains a possibility. If you do trigger an avalanche, you probably won't observe obvious signs of instability like snowpack collapsing or cracking beforehand. You can read the Forecast Discussion below for some tips on managing lingering Persistent Slab avalanche problems. 

    Additional discussion: Strong winds in recent days formed fresh, thin wind slabs, mostly in upper elevation terrain and predominantly on the southern half of the compass.  Watch for obviously wind-loaded features near ridgelines and on the sides of cross-loaded gullies. Shooting cracks are a clear sign you've found wind-transported snow. On very steep, sun-drenched, southerly slopes protected from the wind, small loose snow avalanches are possible and could release on their own. Pay attention to the terrain above you. 

    (1/7/2025) The right side of wide-spanning avalanches near Washington Pk in the White Clouds. NW aspect between 9,600-10,200'.

    Photo: Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

While triggering large, destructive avalanches is becoming less likely, this zone harbors the most terrain where triggering large avalanches remains possible. If trouble is to be found, it will most likely be at middle and upper elevations on the northern half of the compass, especially in areas with the following characteristics:

  • A wind-drifted or stiffened snow surface—indicated by cornices, ripples, or dunes.
  • Slopes peppered with exposed rocks are a visual clue that thin spots may exist.
  • "Prime-time" avalanche terrain, steeper than about 35 degrees. Triggering a large avalanche is most likely where some part of the slope is at least 35 degrees. 

If a slope shows any of these signs, take a step back and carefully consider the consequences of triggering a large avalanche. It may be safer to seek terrain free of these visual clues. If you choose to ski or ride in avalanche terrain, you can stack the odds in your favor by:

  • Avoiding large avalanche paths.
  • Steering clear of mid-slope rock bands and terrain traps (e.g., trees, creek beds, or gullies at the bottom).
  • Skiing or riding slopes one at a time and regrouping in less exposed terrain.

Professionals across the forecast area have continued to express concern about venturing into larger terrain. Instead, they’ve opted for a more cautious, "tip-toe" approach, choosing slopes with uniform, planar entrances and short sections of lower-angle avalanche terrain (low 30 degree slopes). We can all follow suit by selecting similar terrain free of the clues and hazards listed above.

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