Avalanche forecast

Galena Summit & Eastern Mtns

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Large avalanches are unlikely, but there is still a slight chance of triggering a large slide on very steep, rocky, wind-affected slopes. As the day warms up, the threat of wet snow avalanches will increase on very steep slopes that face the sun.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Mountain temperatures are starting out much warmer this morning. Combined with forecasted highs approaching 40 F and plenty of sunshine, expect the threat of wet snow avalanches to be higher today. So why is the danger still LOW? Why aren't wet slides the primary avalanche problem? Wet snow avalanches are fairly predictable beasts—we generally know where and when they're likely to happen. With good planning and careful observations, you can avoid getting tangled up with wet avalanches today. If you're traveling on steep, sunny slopes, monitor the surface melting as the day heats up. If the slush/mush gets deeper than your boot-tops, or you start punching through the surface crust, it's time to head for colder or mellower terrain. Natural wet slides will be a possibility, so don't linger below steep, rocky slopes that face the sun—especially during the heat of the day.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–3

    Warm and dry weather over the past 2 weeks has caused our persistent layers to go "dormant"—a state where they're unlikely to produce avalanches unless a major loading event occurs. But it's important to remember that these weak layers still exist beneath your feet or sled. The most prominent is the early-season facet layer that's buried 3-4 feet deep (photo above/right).

    As long as the poor snowpack structure exists, there is still a very small chance of triggering a persistent slab avalanche. This leaves you two choices: accept this slight chance, or avoid areas where they are more likely to occur—very steep (approaching 40 degrees), rocky, wind-affected slopes. Terrain like this is most common at upper elevations and especially in the alpine. 

    (3/11/2021) Weak layers may be dormant, but they still exist. This snow profile shows soft snow near the surface that steadily hardens until the weak facets carved out near the ground. Photo: J. Preuss

Avalanche Discussion

USE "NORMAL CAUTION":As we've mentioned in previous forecasts, many backcountry sliders and riders spend more time in avalanche terrain when the danger is LOW. There's nothing wrong with this, it just points to the need to keep it tight even when the avalanche danger has decreased. What does Normal Caution look like?

Preparation:

  • It never makes sense to head into the backcountry willy-nilly. Be sure to make a travel plan that accounts for isolated areas where avalanche concerns linger.
  • Avalanches aren't the only danger in the backcountry. Be prepared to deal with other potential emergencies: injuries, equipment malfunctions, break-downs, or getting stuck out overnight. Look into a satellite communication device if you don't already have one. Carry first aid, repair, and survival kits.

At the trailhead:

  • Regardless of the avalanche danger, perform a beacon function check like your life depends on it (it does). Check that everyone has good battery strength and that both transmit and receive functions work.
  • If you're carrying an airbag pack or vest, have it armed and ready from the start of the day to the very end.
  • Perform final equipment checks. Everyone have what they need? Radios working?

In the backcountry:

  • Don't let your guard down—maintain situational awareness. Small avalanche problems can have disastrous consequences in steep and/or exposed terrain. I've had more close calls than I like to admit triggering tiny avalanches in extreme terrain.
  • Don't get sloppy—continue to practice safe travel rituals like your life depends on them (it does). Whenever possible, only expose one person to avalanche hazard and make sure everyone else has eyes-on. Choose safe zones and re-grouping spots carefully. 

At the end of the day:

  • Relive the highlights—and the lowlights—of the day. What did you do well? Where did you get lucky? What would you differently next time?

Catch up on what happened this past week in Ethan's latest Weekend Update.

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