Avalanche forecast

Sawtooth & Western Smoky Mtns

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Generally stable conditions exist. Steer clear of steep slopes if the surface crust melts and you're sinking deep into a wet, mushy snowpack. While your odds are low, it's not impossible to trigger a slab avalanche in steep, upper elevation terrain that faces away from the sun.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    You may be able to trigger small Wet Loose avalanches if surface crusts break down this afternoon. These are most likely during the heat of the day on very steep slopes that face the sun. Although slow-moving, these avalanches are surprisingly powerful and difficult to escape. 

    Starting and ending your day early is a great way to reduce your risk. If crusts become unsupportable, you've missed your window. Move to a shadier aspect or consider calling it a day.

    Additional Discussion - Dry Slabs: You're most likely to trigger a dry slab avalanche above ~9,000 feet in steep, rocky terrain that faces away from the sun.

    Large Wet Loose avalanche in the Northern Sawtooths near Williams Peak. NE 9000'.

    Photo: Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Regions covered