Avalanche forecast

Soldier & Wood River Valley Mtns

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Snow and wind are creating dangerous avalanche conditions. Avalanches may release on their own as wind-blown snow builds thick drifts at upper elevations. You're likely to trigger a large avalanche on many steep slopes, including those mostly sheltered from the wind. You may be able to trigger slides remotely—from flat terrain below, above, and to the sides of steep slopes.The most dangerous conditions exist in the western half of this zone, including the Soldiers and the mountains near Dollarhide Summit. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–2.5

    The weight of recent storm snow is pushing buried weak layers to their breaking point. Natural avalanches are possible today in areas where the wind builds thick drifts. Human-triggered avalanches are likely and may even occur in areas that are mostly sheltered from the wind. You're most likely to trigger a persistent slab avalanche on steep slopes that tilt away from the afternoon sun (NW-N-NE-E). It's these aspects that produced the most widespread natural and human-triggered avalanches over the last two weeks, and where our buried weak layers remain the most concerning. 

    Triggered avalanches may be 2-4' thick and release in surprising ways. They can be much wider than expected and be triggered remotely—from flat terrain below, above, and to the sides of steep slopes.  

    Snowpack cracking and collapsing are clear signs of unstable conditions. The best way to avoid trouble is to give avalanche terrain a wide berth. This includes gentler terrain below steep slopes or under large avalanche paths. 

    (2/20/2026)

    This test pit shows the current snowpack structure. The new snow (slab) is resting on sugary snow (weak layer) on many shaded middle and upper-elevation slopes.

    Photo: Sawtooth Avalanche Center

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–2

    In the western half of this zone, over a foot of snow and driving wind have built 1-3' thick drifts and slabs at upper elevations. Expect these drifts to be the largest and most sensitive on slopes facing NW-N-NE-E. 

    Look for them near or below ridgelines, along mid-slope ribs, and on aprons beneath chutes. Rapid cornice growth, dunes, or drifts are all signs that the wind has been at work. 

    Today's intense wind-loading may cause wind slabs to release naturally. Even if you're in an area sheltered from the wind, it's prudent to avoid the runout of large avalanche paths. These smaller wind slabs may trigger the larger persistent slab avalanches described above.

    (2/20/2026) Wind-affected surfaces were widespread in the Salt Bounds area of the Soldiers on Feb 20, 2026. 

    Photo: Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Last night's storm likely produced numerous large slab avalanches at upper elevations. While the brunt of the snowfall is over, moderate to strong W and WNW winds will continue to build slabs in exposed terrain. This rapid loading should be enough to cause additional natural avalanches today and keep the likelihood of human-triggering elevated. 

We're coming off an impressive stretch of human-triggered slides, and by all accounts, this storm has increased those chances. Today is a great day to approach the mountains with curiosity rather than an objective. Let's take a collective step back, choose lower-angle terrain, and be mindful of the slopes above you.

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