Avalanche forecast

Sawtooth & Western Smoky Mtns

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You could trigger an avalanche in wind-affected, upper elevation and alpine terrain. These are likely to be small but could be dangerous in high-consequence terrain. Sunshine and warm temperatures today could lead to natural loose snow avalanches in very steep, rocky terrain that faces the sun. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    We've had several days without wind, and wind slabs that formed earlier this weak have become less reactive. Still, it may remain possible to trigger a wind slab in very steep,  wind-exposed terrain, especially at upper elevations and in the alpine. You may find wind slabs along ridgelines, but also mid-slope in alpine cirques, below cliff bands, and along the edges of couloirs and chutes.  

    While these wind slabs are likely to be small, they could be very dangerous in high-consequence terrain. Look for surface clues that may indicate wind-loaded slopes, and pay attention to how it feels beneath you. Read more about maintaining situational awareness in the Forecast Discussion below.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    While we've had plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures this week, the midwinter sun angle has had more of a "slow cooker" effect on steep, southerly-facing slopes than "broil". This has prevented things from becoming fully unglued, but there has still been a steady trickle of sun-induced loose snow avalanches originating from rocky areas on very steep, sunny slopes. I saw a few fresh sluffs yesterday in the northern Sawtooths (see photo). I expect more of the same today, so keep an eye on what's above you as the day warms up. Triggering a wet sluff is also possible if you find yourself in this sort of terrain during the heat of the day.

Avalanche Discussion

In our northern and western forecast zones, the lingering avalanche concerns—small wind slabs and wet sluffs—are often termed "micro stability" problems. These stand in contrast to the "macro stability" issues we usually face (and still face in other zones) such as persistent slab problems. So if these "micro" problems are indeed small, then why worry about them? Because as the avalanche danger drops, some folks seek out steeper and more committing terrain—objectives that often fall under the category of ski mountaineering or extreme riding. In this sort of terrain, triggering even a small wind slab avalanche or getting knocked off your feet by a wet sluff can have disastrous consequences. I've personally had and witnessed a few close calls with slabs no bigger than the size of a large dinner table.

An important skill that can help keep you out of trouble in these conditions is maintaining situational awareness. This boils down to not letting your guard down even if you think the snowpack is totally stable. It means always paying attention to how the snow feels under your feet, board(s), or sled. Does it feel firm, stiff, or punchy, possibly indicating you've found a wind slab? Is the snow surface getting wet? And don't forget those two spherical balls of jelly stuck in the middle of your head—your eyes can tell you a lot about the type of snow your traveling through. Experienced backcountry riders can spot a subtly wind-loaded area from some distance away. Is the snow above you getting direct sun even though you're in the shade?

Even as the danger drops, maintain situational awareness by keeping all of your senses engaged. Continually make "look and feel" observations of the snow that's underfoot, above you, and below you. This way you can keep micro stability problems from turning into macro trouble.

Regions covered