Avalanche forecast

Soldier & Wood River Valley Mtns

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

You're most likely to trigger a large, wide avalanche on steep slopes facing the northern half of the compass. Watch for and avoid fresh, stiff wind drifts, and anticipate loose snow avalanches in very steep terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Recent storms built 1.5-2' thick slabs above weak layers of facets and facet + crust combinations. These slabs are thicker and more problematic in the western half of the zone, including Dollarhide Summit and the Soldier Mountains. Observations indicate that these layers are most likely to cause trouble on steep, middle and upper-elevation slopes facing the northern half of the compass. 

    Before triggering an avalanche, you may not experience obvious signs of instability like snowpack cracking and collapsing or whumpfing. Avalanches could be triggered remotely, from lower-angle terrain above, below, or to the side of steep slopes. Persistent Slabs can release in surprising ways and break much wider than expected. 

    The best way to manage this problem is to stick to lower-angled slopes and simple, forgiving terrain free from terrain traps like cliffs, trees, or creek bottoms. 

  • Wind Slabs

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

     Expect freshly formed slabs of wind-drifted snow to be easy to trigger on steep slopes. The likelihood of triggering one of these sides will increase where you find a thicker, stiffer slab of snow—most likely near ridgelines, alpine bowls, and gullies. Wind-drifted snow will feel stiff and may keep you on the surface. Watch for dunes, drifts, and snow pillows, and listen for hollow, drum-like-sounding surfaces. Cracks shooting out in front of you are a clear sign you've found a wind slab.

    (3/20/2025)

    Wind-textured slope near Castle Pk. Gullies like the ones in the photo could harbor a stiff slab of wind drifted snow that a skier or rider could trigger. 

    Photo: Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

If you are skiing or riding in steep terrain there are a few things to keep in mind; 

  • Persitent Slabs: Triggering a thick, wide avalanche remains possible. You may be able to trigger a slide from lower angled terrain, or from above, below or to the sides of steep slopes.You are most likley to trigger a slide on the northern half of the compass—especially where the wind has been at work building thicker, stiffer slabs. 
  • Wind Slabs: Isolated wind slabs have likely formed in steep, wind exposed terrain. Expect to find thicker and easier to trigger wind slabs as you climb in elevation or into more wind exposed terrain. 
  • Dry Loose (Sluffs): A skier or rider could trigger small sluffs in steep terrain on the northern portions of the compass in terrain sheltered from the wind. While these shouldn't be large enough to bury a person, they could knock you off your feet and carry you where you don't want to go. 

Keep your eyes and ears open for signs instability including: snowpack cracking, muffled collapses, or recent avalanches—these will be your best indicators that you have found an unstable slope. 

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