Avalanche forecast

Sawtooth & Western Smoky Mtns

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Triggering an avalanche is possible, especially on steep slopes where the wind has drifted snow or stiffened the snow surface. Cracks shooting in front of your skis or sled mean the slope you're on may be unstable. 

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    New snow and wind are forming storm slabs. These slabs will be thicker at upper elevations, where snow totals and wind speeds are greater. Anticipate thicker slabs on the northern half of the compass as the strongest winds blew from the SW-S-SE. Slabs formed over various potentially weak surfaces, including facets and crust + facet combinations. Expect freshly formed slabs to be easy to trigger on steep slopes. Some may be triggered by lower-angled terrain above, below, or to the side of a steep slope. The likelihood of triggering one of these sides will increase where you find a thicker, stiffer slab of snow—most likely near ridgelines and exposed terrain features. 

    New snow alone isn't a problem, but rapid settlement, wind stiffening, or drifting can quickly change the equation. Look for signs of wind loading, like fresh cornice growth and dunes or ripples in the snow surface. Feel for stiffer snow and watch for obvious signs of instability, like snowpack cracking or collapsing. You can always reduce your risk by sticking to lower-angled terrain and avoiding slopes that end in terrain traps like cliffs, trees, or creek bottoms. 

    (3/13/2025)

    Remotely triggered storm slab on Paymaster Peak at 9200' NW aspect. This was triggered from ~100' feet away on a ridgeline.

    Photo: Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Today, managing the new snow is the name of the game. Be wary of entering steep terrain, especially where you find more than about 6-12 inches of new snow, particularly near ridgetops or wind-exposed terrain. Wind-affected slopes are more likely to harbor larger, thicker slabs and could be triggered from lower-angled terrain below, above, or to the sides of steep slopes. Yesterday, Zach traveled into the Pioneer Mountains, where he remotely triggered a slide that failed below the new snow, up to 200 feet wide and 12 inches deep. Recently formed storm slabs will be more reactive on NW-, N-, and NE-facing slopes. Watch for signs of instability, like snowpack cracking or collapsing, which indicate an unstable snowpack. Use quick hand pits and small, inconsequential test slopes to assess stability and be ready to adjust your terrain choices accordingly.

On the sunnier side of the compass, the new snow appears to be bonding better to the old crusty surface below. However, along Titus Ridge yesterday, in very steep terrain, we triggered small dry loose slides. While these weren't large enough to bury a person, they could easily knock you off your feet and carry you where you didn't want to go. If the sun does come out today, natural loose snow avalanches (sluffs) are possible, especially in the very steep, craggy terrain.

Regions covered