Avalanche forecast

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Sawtooth Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You are unlikely to trigger avalanches large enough to bury people. You could trigger relatively small avalanches where the wind has formed drifts or stiffened the snow surface. These thin, isolated slabs are most common at upper elevations. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    What is it? You could find isolated, fresh wind slabs up to a foot thick in exposed terrain. The northerly winds of the past 24 hours may have formed some stiff, hard slabs. Wind slabs could overlie weak facets or crusts—especially on SE-S-SW aspects—and be more sensitive to triggering than you might expect.  

    Where is it? Look for wind-blown snow immediately below exposed ridgelines, on the sides of gullies or chutes, and near large terrain features. Wind slabs will be most common at upper elevations. The slabs will probably not extend very far downslope.  

    How can you recognize it? Cracks shooting out from your skis or sled are an obvious sign of instability. Watch for drifts, dunes, and ripples on the snow surface. Wind slabs can have a smooth, chalky appearance and feel and sound hollow, like a drum. Wind-deposited snow will be stiffer and keep your skis or snowmobile on or closer to the surface.       

    How can you manage it? Managing this problem is simple; steer clear of recent wind drifts and slabs on slopes steeper than about 35 degrees. Hard slabs that keep you or your sled on the snow surface can behave unpredictably, breaking above skiers and riders. 

    (2/8/2023)  A ski cut released this 40' wide, 1-foot thick wind slab in the northern Sawtooth Mtns on an east aspect near 8500'.

Avalanche Discussion

Although you're unlikely to trigger avalanches large enough to bury people, small avalanches can produce big consequences in the wrong terrain. Before committing to skiing or riding that steep, beautiful-looking line, think about where an avalanche could carry you. Could you get pushed over cliffs, through trees, or into creeks or gullies? In "high stakes" terrain, consider the risk versus the reward.

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