Bulletin d’avalanche

Galena Summit & Eastern Mtns

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
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Danger d’avalanche

Thu
Alpin
2 · Modéré
Limite forestière
2 · Modéré
Sous la limite
1 · Faible
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Périmé — ce bulletin a expiré 5 years ago. Vous consultez des conditions passées, pas le bulletin en cours.

Points saillants

Unfortunately, triggering a large avalanche in very steep, rocky, wind-affected terrain remains possible. Large avalanches are unlikely on slopes with soft snow at the surface. 

Problèmes avalancheux

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpin
    • Limite forestière
    • Sous la limite forestière
    Probabilité
    Possible
    Taille
    2–3

    Even though it hasn't snowed in almost 2 weeks, avalanche professionals and experienced recreational riders and skiers are just now cautiously "stepping out" into shady, consequential avalanche terrain in this zone. Why the wait?

    • Slow to Heal: The weak, sugary faceted snow that exists near the ground on many shady NW-N-NE-E facing slopes is not strengthening quickly in this zone.
    • "Goldilocks" Slab Thickness: The 2.5-4 foot thick slab above the weak snow is "just right"—thick enough to produce large avalanches that could bury people, and thin enough that skiers and riders can impact the weak layer and possibly trigger slides. 

    To reduce the chances of finding trouble, avoid  "prime time" slope angles (35-45*) in rocky, wind-affected terrain (see photo). Consider the consequences of an avalanche before committing to skiing or riding serious terrain. If you triggered an avalanche, where would it carry you? If thinking about the consequences makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up, you can find a friendlier slope to shred or ride. 

    ADDITIONAL DISCUSSIONIf your adventures take you into alpine terrain, it may be possible to trigger a small wind slab. The weathered slabs are effectively glued onto most surfaces. However, check to make sure any wind slabs you find are not resting above polished icy surfaces or pockets of weak, faceted snow before committing to serious terrain. 

Avalanche Discussion

On January 8th, two snowshoers were killed in a tragic avalanche accident near Hoosier Pass in Colorado (accident report, video). This accident involved weak snow near the ground that is similar to what you'll find on many slopes in this zone. The odds of triggering a slide like this in our area are currently slim, but this accident is a sobering reminder that you don't have to be an extreme skier or snowmobiler to trigger persistent slab avalanches. Even small slopes near trailheads can be dangerous on the wrong day. 

Régions couvertes