Avalanche forecast

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Sawtooth Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanches are unlikely and most slopes are safe. Watch for isolated wind drifts and cornices at and just below ridgelines, and loose snow avalanches may occur on very steep, rocky slopes that face the sun. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Last weekend's wind and snowfall formed drifts and slabs near exposed upper-elevation ridgelines. While unlikely, you could trigger relatively small, lingering slabs where they overlie hard, wind-polished surfaces or crusts. While these wind slabs are likely to be small, they could be very dangerous in high-consequence terrain. Look for surface clues that may indicate wind-loaded slopes, and pay attention to how it feels beneath you. Read more about maintaining situational awareness in the Forecast Discussion below.

    ADDITIONAL DISCUSSIONWhile we've had plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures this week, the midwinter sun angle has had more of a "slow cooker" effect on southerly-facing slopes than "broil". This has prevented things from becoming fully unglued, but naturally-occurring wet sluffs are a possibility today on very steep, rocky slopes facing the sun.

Avalanche Discussion

In our northern and western forecast zones, the lingering avalanche concerns—small wind slabs and wet sluffs—are often termed "micro stability" problems. These stand in contrast to the "macro stability" issues we usually face (and still face in other zones) such as persistent slab problems. So if these "micro" problems are indeed small, then why worry about them? Because as the avalanche danger drops, some folks seek out steeper and more committing terrain—objectives that often fall under the category of ski mountaineering or extreme riding. In this sort of terrain, triggering even a small wind slab avalanche or getting knocked off your feet by a wet sluff can have disastrous consequences. I've personally had and witnessed a few close calls with slabs no bigger than the size of a large dinner table.

An important skill that can help keep you out of trouble in these conditions is maintaining situational awareness. This boils down to not letting your guard down even if you think the snowpack is totally stable. It means always paying attention to how the snow feels under your feet, board(s), or sled. Does it feel firm, stiff, or punchy, possibly indicating you've found a wind slab? Is the snow surface getting wet? And don't forget those two spherical balls of jelly stuck in the middle of your head—your eyes can tell you a lot about the type of snow your traveling through. Experienced backcountry riders can spot a subtly wind-loaded area from some distance away. Is the snow above you getting direct sun even though you're in the shade?

Even as the danger drops, maintain situational awareness by keeping all of your senses engaged. Continually make "look and feel" observations of the snow that's underfoot, above you, and below you. This way you can keep micro stability problems from turning into macro trouble.

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