Bollettino valanghe

Galena Summit & Eastern Mtns

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Sat
Alta quota
2 · Moderato
Limite del bosco
1 · Debole
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
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In sintesi

You could trigger avalanches in areas with recently wind-drifted snow. These drifts are most widespread in alpine and upper elevation terrain. Some formed above slick surfaces, crusts, and weak snow so any avalanches you trigger could be wider and larger than expected. Small wet loose avalanches are possible on very steep, rocky slopes receiving prolonged direct sun. 

Problemi valanghivi

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Possible
    Dimensione
    1–2

    Look for drifts of windblown snow near ridgelines and on the sides of cross-loaded gullies and chutes. These will be most common at upper elevations but you may find some slabs at middle elevations as well.

    These slabs are likely to be less than a foot thick. Some of them formed on slick, icy crusts and small facets. This means they may be easy to trigger, break wider than expected, and could pick up speed quickly as they travel downslope. This slab avalanche (observation) was triggered by a skier Wednesday in the W. Smokys. It's a good reminder that even small slides can be consequential if they drag you through trees or push you into a creek bottom.

    If you find the snow depth is quickly increasing or the surface is becoming stiffer, you've found a wind slab. Cracks shooting out in front of you are an obvious sign of instability. Think about where even a small avalanche would carry you before committing to riding or skiing any recently wind-loaded slopes. 

    ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION:Wet loose avalanches are possible today. They are most likely on very steep slopes that face the sun, especially where the snowpack is less than about 2' thick. Even small wet avalanches are much more powerful than you'd expect (see videos here and here). Pay attention to the terrain above you. Larger slopes can produce slides big enough to knock you off your feet and carry you places you don't want to go. 

    (3/11/2022) A heli-ski guide triggered this small wind slab while stomping cornices along a ridge. It broke 12" thick and 100' wide, running on a slick crust. Western Smokys, 9000', E aspect. Photo: Sun Valley Heli Ski

Avalanche Discussion

SPRING AVALANCHE PROBLEMS

Today's slab avalanche problem is relatively minor thanks to an overall lack of recent snowfall. The small storms we've seen in the last 10 days trickled about 15" of snow into the Smokys and White Clouds. Some of these recent wind drifts formed over weak layers of facets, surface hoar, and crusts. Much less snow fell in the Boulders and Pioneers. A small persistent slab avalanche was triggered in Smiley Ck, just W of this zone. Read the Forecast Discussion for the Sawtooth & Western Smoky Mtns zone if you're traveling in the high peaks of the Smokys. 

Many steep SE-S-SW-W facing slopes are turning brown, especially in the southern reaches of the zone. More and more slopes are losing snow as the snowpack recedes further into the mountains. We're entering a time of year when wet avalanches will dominate the problem list. Expect stiff, frozen surfaces this morning but know that the sun can quickly turn the snowpack to mush. You can significantly reduce your risk by sticking to cooler snow on more shaded slopes and by starting and ending your day early. 

 

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