Avalanche forecast

Sawtooth & Western Smoky Mtns

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

You could trigger a very large, 2-4 foot thick slab avalanche. These slides can be triggered from long distances away from steeper slopes. Smaller avalanches involving only the recent snowfall are also possible. These natural and triggered slides may break into the weak layers beneath, creating much larger, more destructive avalanches. 

Conditions are at their worst in this zone's southern and western portions, including the mountains above Smiley Creek.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Triggering a very large avalanche is a worrisome possibility. Some of these slides will be powerful enough to destroy a house. A week of heavy snowfall is stressing weak layers near the base of the snowpack. These layers of facets and/or surface hoar on shadier aspects and crust + facet combinations on sunnier slopes are fragile and can be found on most slopes.

    The odds you trigger a Persistent Slab are decreasing, but the consequences remain severe. These avalanches can break in surprising ways. Don't expect obvious signs of instability, like cracking or collapsing before triggering a slide. You can trigger them from flat or low-angle terrain long distances away from steep slopes. The only way to manage this problem is to avoid avalanche terrain, including the base of slopes that are threatened from above.

  • Storm Slabs

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

    This zone picked picked up 1-3' of snow in the last week. Expect to find thick slabs of wind-drifted snow at upper elevation. These dunes, drifts, and pillows may be masked by light snowfall and could be hard to identify.  While less likely, slab avalanches are also possible on steep slopes that are sheltered from the wind. Cracks shooting out from under your feet indicate you have found a sensitive slab.

    Loose snow avalanches are a real concern. These will be easy to trigger and will release naturally on steep slopes receiving direct sun. Importantly, any of these smaller slides can trigger the much larger and more dangerous Persistent Slab Avalanches described above.

Avalanche Discussion

Multiple natural and human-triggered Persistent Slab avalanches were reported in neighboring zones over the past week. In this zone, limited observations indicate that this avalanche activity is less pronounced.The southern and western portions of this zone, including the mountains above Smiley Creek, were heavily favored by recent storms picking up around 3' of snow. Snow totals diminish quickly as you head north. 

As storms clear and stability improves, it's important not to bite off more than we can chew. There's a lot of good skiing and riding to be had out there. Don't let this cloud your judgment. Pick terrain you're comfortable with and, more importantly, terrain that you plan to avoid. Don't let powder sway you from this plan.

Regions covered