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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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Mostly stable conditions exist, and large avalanches are unlikely. You could trigger isolated, thin pockets of wind-drifted snow in upper elevation and alpine terrain. Loose snow sluffs are possible on very steep slopes shaded from the sun.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Increased W-SW winds overnight may have formed a fresh round of small wind slabs. Look for newly-formed wind slabs along upper elevation ridgelines and on wind-exposed slopes. Use extra caution where you find signs of fresh wind loading: denser/stiffer surface snow, wind texture, and cracks shooting out from your skis or machine.

    You are more likely to trigger these fresh drifts, but you may find isolated, older wind slabs that are still sensitive—especially where they've formed atop weak faceted snow or slick, icy crusts. Skiers in Pole Creek yesterday (in the Galena Summit & Eastern Mtns zone) triggered two very small wind slabs (photo above/left), and on Wednesday, a small skier-triggered slide occurred near Galena Summit (photo). It's very difficult to evaluate which older slabs are still sensitive, and which are not. If you choose to travel in wind-exposed and alpine terrain, to some extent you need to accept the possibility of popping out a small wind slab—which makes paying attention to the consequences of getting surprised all the more important.

    ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION:Observers have also been reporting "sluffy" conditions on very steep, shady slopes. These loose snow slides could knock you off your feet or sled, especially in confined chutes or couloirs. Be prepared to practice "sluff management": utilize either the "rock star" method where you ski or ride fast enough to stay ahead of your sluff until you're clear of the runout; or the more recommended "mere mortal" approach of riding more slowly and letting your sluff run below you.

    Yesterday's sunshine and warm temperatures produced a number of loose snow avalanches on very steep slopes facing the sun (photo). With increased cloud cover today, wet sluffs will be less likely—but keep them in mind if the sun comes out for any length of time.

    Catch up on the past week in Ben's latest Weekend Update!

    (2/26/2022) Skiers in Pole Cr triggered these two very small wind slabs on Saturday, 2/26. Once initiated, it appears that they entrained weak, sugary snow that exists in the surface layers of the snowpack.

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