Avalanche forecast

Banner Summit

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Sunshine and warm temperatures could produce wet loose avalanches. These slides are most likely on very steep, sheltered, rocky slopes that directly face the sun.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Mostly sunny skies and some of the warmest temperatures of the year will combine to increase the chances of wet loose avalanches. These slides are most likely on very steep, sheltered, rocky slopes that directly face the sun. I expect the majority of these slides to be small, but even small wet slides are surprisingly powerful.

    Wet loose avalanches begin at a point–usually a rock outcrop or a tree well–and collect snow as they move downhill. They can quickly grow in size on taller slopes or when confined to channeled terrain. Snow conditions can change quickly with aspect, sun angle, and exposure to the wind. Is the snow you're on wet, or mushy? Given your objective, do you expect the snow conditions where you're headed to be better or worse? What about an hour from now? The onset of wet avalanche activity can be hard to predict, but thankfully it's relatively easy to avoid. You can greatly reduce your risk by sticking to colder snow on more shaded slopes or by traveling earlier in the day when the snow surfaces are firm.

Avalanche Discussion

CONTINUE TO USE NORMAL CAUTIONThe snowpack in this zone is generally stable, and people are exploring steep, alpine terrain. No matter the danger the following are basic tenets of safe travel in the backcountry.

  • Make a solid plan before a day in the backcountry. A plan helps you anticipate hazards (of which avalanches are only one), identify options for the day, and ensure everyone is prepared for an emergency.
  • Perform a trailhead gear check. A proper beacon check ensures everyone's transceiver can send and receive a signal. Maybe you could use a brush-up on your beacon skills? Don't forget about the Baker Creek beacon park. Is everyone's radio working and on the right channel? Airbags armed and in working order?
  • Maintain situational awareness. Don't let your guard down even when the snowpack is generally stable. If you see a wind-loaded slope or another indicator of potential instability, don't assume it's safe just because the danger is Low. Identify and avoid other hazards such as large cornices. Warm weather may make these more susceptible to breaking. 
  • Communicate with your partners. As you travel through the mountains talk with your partners. Are you seeing what you were expecting to see when you made your plan in the morning or are conditions different than you thought that they would be? Do you need to adjust your plan accordingly?
  • Continue to use safe travel practices. It's easy to get sloppy with your travel practices during periods of stability. Continue to minimize your group's exposure to potential avalanche hazards, ideally traveling one at a time through steep terrain.
  • Minimize your exposure to hazards. The likelihood of encountering any sort of problem in life increases when you spend more time exposed to that hazard. You are more likely to be involved in a car accident if you drive every day of the year than you are if you only drive once a week. The same is true in the backcountry. 

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