Bollettino valanghe

Galena Summit & Eastern Mtns

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

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

Triggering a large avalanche is possible. Watch for rocky, wind-swept slopes with variable snowpack depths—these are the areas where slides are most likely to occur.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Possible
    Dimensione
    1.5–2.5

    Triggering a large, dense slab avalanche is becoming less likely but remains possible. Avalanches are easier to trigger in thin spots at the edges of slabs and wind-features. Watch for these proverbial land mines on the northern half of the compass, where the wind frequently blows, and the snowpack depth is variable. This zone has a lot of rocky alpine terrain that perfectly fits that description. Some visual clues to identify suspect slopes:

    • Stiff or textured surfaces and wind-pillows, evidence the wind has moved snow   
    • Rocks sticking out of the snow, either near or well below ridgelines
    • Terrain where some part of the slope is at least 35 degrees in steepness

    If you do trigger an avalanche, you probably won't observe obvious signs of instability like snowpack collapsing or cracking beforehand. Any triggered avalanches have the potential to break above you. 

    Additional Discussion: You may encounter small, easy-to-trigger, wind slabs at middle and upper elevations, particularly in alpine terrain. Be on the lookout for wind-loaded features near ridgelines and along the sides of cross-loaded gullies. Shooting cracks are a clear indication of wind-transported snow.

    (1/7/2025) This is the type of terrain we're talking about when we say "rocky, wind-swept slopes with variable snowpack depths." Note how the avalanche crown "connects the dots" between exposed and buried rocks.

    Washington basin - White Clouds Mtns - NW, 9,600-10,200'.

    Photo: Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

This zone harbors the most rocky, wind-swept areas, where triggering persistent slabs remains possible. You are most likely to trigger avalanches where the upper 2 feet of the snowpack is stiff and the weak layers are buried less than 3 feet deep. You are less likely to find trouble in areas where the snowpack is uniformly deeper than about 3 feet or in sheltered terrain lacking a stiff upper snowpack.

A show-stopping performance of natural and human-triggered avalanches during the post-Christmas storm cycle, along with 9 natural, dry snow avalanches reported between Jan 8-15, serve as good reminders of the lingering possibility of triggering large, dense avalanches. Professionals have remained hesitant to enter consequential avalanche terrain and have instead opted to seek uniformly deep slopes, or slopes lacking a stiff upper snowpack. We can all follow suit and continue to practice safe travel techniques by skiing or riding slopes one at a time and stacking the odds by avoiding slopes that end in terrain traps, such as thick trees, cliffs, and creek bottoms.

Yesterday's strong winds may have built small drifts in areas with a thin, weak snowpack. These avalanches may break wider than expected and while they may not be huge, they could knock you off your feet and carry you into more consequential terrain.

 

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