Bollettino valanghe

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Pericolo valanghe

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

Large human-triggered avalanches are possible on slopes where wind has formed drifts and slabs. In terrain sheltered from the wind, triggering large avalanches is less likely but not out of the question. You may be able to trigger slides remotely—from flat terrain below, above, and to the sides of steep slopes.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Triggering wide, 1-3 foot thick avalanches is most likely in recently wind-loaded terrain. The storm and wind-driven snow buried weak facets, surface hoar, and crust-facet combinations on many middle and upper elevation slopes. More deeply buried weak layers that formed during the extended Jan-Feb drought (facets, crust + facets, surface hoar) have not healed and remain suspect, primarily on NW-N-NE-E aspects above and below the middle-to-upper elevation transition. 

    Persistent Slabs can release in surprising ways. They can be much wider than expected and be triggered remotely—from flat terrain below, above, and to the sides of steep slopes.

    Avoiding steep wind-loaded slopes is the best way to avoid trouble today. Recognize that avalanches are also possible in more sheltered terrain. Snowpack cracking and collapsing are clear signs of unstable conditions.Additional Discussion: Whether a weak layer exists or not, the combination of recent snowfall and moderate to strong winds formed slabs that may remain sensitive to your weight. Look for wind-affected surfaces, dunes, or drifts.  Feel for stiff slabs overlying weaker or softer snow. These often form near exposed ridgelines. These smaller wind slabs, once moving, are an effective trigger for the larger Persistent Slab avalanches described above.

    (2/19/2026) Slab avalanche above Swamp Lk south of Copper Mtn. N @ 8,600'.

    Photo: Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

This zone has received up to ~20" of snow since Monday. The new snow buried weak layers on many aspects and continued to build a heftier slab above very weak facets that formed during the January-early February drought. 

Numerous natural avalanches occurred during the storms focused on NW-N-NE-E facing slopes, where loading rates were highest and weak layers were at their worst. Many avalanches failed just under the storm snow, and several wide avalanches broke down into the very weak facets that formed during the drought. Some wind slab avalanches and larger persistent slab avalanches were also observed on S and SE-facing slopes. 

Across the forecast area, skiers and riders have remotely triggered avalanches on each of the last 3 days. These all occurred on shadier N-NW-NE facing slopes failing on the more deeply buried, and very weak facets. Recent avalanches and continued reports of collapsing are clear indicators that the snowpack is still adjusting to the load. Today is not the day to try to thread the needle with micro-scale terrain decisions. You can reduce your risk by giving steeper slopes a wide berth—there's a lot of great skiing and riding to be found on lower angle terrain. 

Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the victims and the survivors of recent avalanche accidents in California and Utah. Sadly, eleven people have died in three separate accidents. Preliminary information is available here.

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