Avalanche forecast

Galena Summit & Eastern Mtns

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanches are unlikely, and most slopes are safe. Watch for small, isolated wind drifts in upper elevation and alpine terrain. Read the Problem discussion below if you are traveling in the White Cloud Mountains.  

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2

    The weak layers of snow near the ground in this zone haven't gone away, but a lack of recent snowfall has allowed them to go into a state of "dormancy". The snowpack structure hasn't changed significantly, and triggering a large slab avalanche is now unlikely. The White Cloud Mountains are where this problem remains at its worst, thanks to a larger amount of residual snow from September and October and a thick slab of snow on top (video at right). Despite the lack of recent loading, trusting this sort of snowpack requires a leap of faith. If I was going out looking for this problem today, I'd head to a very steep, open slope peppered with rocks that create thin spots in the snowpack and allow for easier access to the weak snow underneath.

    ADDITIONAL DISCUSSIONOn Saturday, 1-2" of new snow fell in this zone accompanied by moderate to strong winds blowing out of the SW-NW. Sunday, observers in the Smoky and Boulder Mountains reported finding small, thin, isolated wind slabs that were sensitive to their weight. Monday, professionals traveling in the Western Smokys reported that these slabs were still sensitive to ski cutting. None of these slabs were large enough to bury a person, but they could knock you off your feet and send you tumbling down the slope. Since you are most likely to find wind slabs in steep, rocky, upper elevation terrain, recognize that getting knocked over could have serious consequences.

Avalanche Discussion

CONTINUE TO USE NORMAL CAUTIONThe snowpack in this zone is generally stable, and people are exploring steep, alpine terrain. As the saying goes, Low danger does not mean no danger. Continue to use normal caution when traveling in the backcountry. What does normal caution mean?

  • Make a solid plan before a day in the backcountry. A plan helps you anticipate hazards (of which avalanches are only one), identify options for the day, and ensure everyone is prepared for an emergency.
  • Perform a trailhead gear check. A proper beacon check ensures everyone's transceiver can send and receive a signal. Maybe you could use a brush-up on your beacon skills? Don't forget about the Baker Creek beacon park. Is everyone's radio working and on the right channel? Airbags armed and in working order?
  • Maintain situational awareness. Don't let your guard down even when the snowpack is generally stable. If you see a wind-loaded slope or another indicator of potential instability, don't assume it's safe just because the danger is Low. Identify and avoid other hazards such as large cornices. 
  • Communicate with your partners. As you travel through the mountains talk with your partners. Are you seeing what you were expecting to see when you made your plan in the morning or are conditions different than you thought that they would be? Do you need to adjust your plan accordingly?
  • Continue to use safe travel practices. It's easy to get sloppy with your travel practices during periods of stability. Continue to minimize your group's exposure to potential avalanche hazards, ideally traveling one at a time through steep terrain.
  • Minimize your exposure to hazards. The likelihood of encountering any sort of problem in life increases when you spend more time exposed to that hazard. You are more likely to be involved in a car accident if you drive every day of the year than you are if you only drive once a week. The same is true in the backcountry. 

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