Avalanche forecast

Soldier & Wood River Valley Mtns

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired last year.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

Highlights

Low danger doesn’t mean no danger. Use extra caution in areas with variable snow depths, especially in the eastern part of the zone near highway 75 where the snowpack is thinner. If you choose to enter steep terrain, be aware of the consequences of small avalanches and avoid riding above or through terrain traps. Cornices are large and may be unstable given the recent warm temperatures—give them a wide berth.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–2

    Slabs still exist above various weak layers buried during February storms. Triggering a persistent slab avalanche is unlikely. You probably won't experience obvious signs of instability, like snowpack cracking and collapsing (or whumpfing), before triggering one of these avalanches. Terrain where you are most likely to find this problem is on steep, open slopes facing the northern 2/3 of the compass with variable snow depths, especially in the thinner snowpacks around the Wood River Valley.

    (2/18/2025) A skier on Patterson Pk near Hailey triggered this large avalanche. After several turns on the slope, the slide broke above and around them. Thankfully, the skier was able to ski ahead and to the side of the slab. NW @ 8,050'. Photo: Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Although we’ve transitioned into low danger across our avalanche zones, there are still lingering avalanche concerns in isolated terrain. Persistent slab avalanches have been stubborn to trigger over the past couple weeks, and the underlying weak layers buried during February storms have gradually been healing. The last major round of large natural slab avalanches came at the tail end of the storm one week ago and primarily occurred in upper elevation areas that received more wind-loading. The last human-triggered slab avalanche interface was on Patterson Peak on 2/18.  The areas where you might be able to trigger a large avalanche are very steep, open, wind-loaded terrain with variable snow depths, especially in the mountains south of Galena Summit. Approach this terrain with caution.

Recent warm temperatures have left variable snow surfaces and sagging cornices throughout the forecast area. Be aware of challenging travel conditions (sloppy and gloppy) that may complicate your travel or overheat your machines, and give cornices a wide-berth.

Additionally, making sure that you’re using standard backcountry safety routines to minimize your exposure to the unexpected is a necessity. Some of these techniques include carrying the proper safety equipment (and knowing how to use it), having a trip plan with options based on conditions, travelling one-at-a-time through avalanche terrain, and being aware of changing conditions.

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