Bollettino valanghe

Galena Summit & Eastern Mtns

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Sat
Alta quota
1 · Debole
Limite del bosco
1 · Debole
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
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Non aggiornato — questo bollettino è scaduto 5 years ago. Stai vedendo condizioni passate, non il bollettino in corso.

In sintesi

Generally stable avalanche conditions exist. There's a lingering chance of triggering a large slide in very steep, rocky, wind-affected terrain. 

Problemi valanghivi

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Unlikely
    Dimensione
    2–3

    Weak, sugary faceted snow exists near the base of the snowpack. You'll find it on most upper elevation slopes as well as shadier slopes at middle elevation. Triggering an avalanche on this layer is unlikely, but not impossible. You're most likely to find trouble on slopes with the following characteristics: 

    • Steep: slopes about 35 degrees and steeper
    • Rocky: slopes with variable snow cover due to the roughness of the terrain
    • Wind-affected: slopes where strong winds produced variable snow cover

    The nature of a persistent slab problem is in the name. This problem is quiet for the time being but should not slip from our minds. For a closer look, read Chris' observation from near the mouth of Baker Ck yesterday, and check out the video Ben made near Galena Pass on Tuesday. 

Avalanche Discussion

LOW DANGER

It's been more than two weeks without an avalanche or substantial snowfall but the switch to LOW danger in this zone was not an easy decision. Although triggering a large avalanche is unlikely, this zone is the "sweet spot" for the lingering persistent slab problem. The faceted snow near the ground is weak. The slab is thick enough to produce large avalanches but thin enough that our weight could impact the weak layer on some slopes. As Chris put it yesterday, the snowpack structure here "[doesn't] inspire much confidence." Despite the LOW danger, I'll continue to avoid steep slopes where this problem is at its worst.  

There are no other well-defined avalanche problems in this zone. This picture is unlikely to change until snow returns to the forecast. In the meantime, here is one other potential hazard to look for and avoid:

Wind Slabs: Your odds of triggering a small wind slab avalanche are low. Wind slabs may still be sensitive to your weight where they rest on weak layers of facets, facets + crusts, or surface hoar. Thankfully, this problem is relatively easy to identify and avoid. Look for ripples or dunes on the snow surface. If you feel the snow stiffening, alter your course to somewhere with softer snow at the surface. 

Regioni coperte