Galena Summit & Eastern Mtns

Avalanche problems

• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  1.5–2

  Triggering a 1-3 ft thick persistent slab avalanche on buried weak layers (sugary facets, surface hoar, and crust + facet combinations) is still possible. This problem is worst on wind-loaded middle and upper elevation slopes facing NW-N-NE-E. Dry or wet, these are the aspects where you're most likely to trigger a large slab avalanche.

  Look for smooth snow pillows, dunes, textured snow surfaces, and cornices as indicators of wind-stiffened snow. You may not see obvious signs of instability, such as snowpack cracking and collapsing, before triggering a slide. 

  

• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Unlikely

  Size

  1–2

  While large Wet Loose avalanches are unlikely today, they won't be impossible to trigger if surface crusts break down while receiving direct sunlight.  These avalanches are most likely during the heat of the day on slopes that face the sun. They often initiate near the bases of trees, rocks, and cliffs. Although slow-moving, these avalanches are surprisingly powerful and difficult to escape. They may also trigger larger wet slab avalanches (example) as they move downhill.