Bollettino valanghe

Galena Summit & Eastern Mtns

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
Vedi sulla mappa

Pericolo valanghe

Mon
Alta quota
1 · Debole
Limite del bosco
1 · Debole
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
Open full map
Non aggiornato — questo bollettino è scaduto 6 years ago. Stai vedendo condizioni passate, non il bollettino in corso.

In sintesi

Avalanches are unlikely, and most slopes are safe. Watch for small, isolated wind drifts in upper elevation and alpine terrain. In the White Cloud Mtns, triggering a large avalanche on weak snow near the ground remains a possibility on very steep, rocky, wind-affected slopes. 

Problemi valanghivi

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Although early-season persistent weak layers in the lower snowpack remain widespread, a lack of snowfall over the past month means these layers are unlikely to produce an avalanche. If there is one area we're still concerned about, it would be the White Clouds. While triggering an avalanche would require a dose of bad luck, the snowpack layering there remains the worst in the forecast area (see video at right). Even with the lack of recent loading, trusting this sort of snowpack requires a true leap of faith. None of the SAC staff would trust our life to a very steep (35-45 degrees), wind-affected, alpine slope in the White Clouds.

    ADDITIONAL DISCUSSIONObservers yesterday reported winds stronger than what were indicated by remote weather stations. These winds transported the 1-2 inches of new snow into isolated, small drifts up to 6 inches thick at upper elevations. A skier in the alpine reaches of the Smoky Mtns was able to release one of these small slabs with a ski cut. Look for fresh wind drifts today, especially on the western side of the zone where a bit more new snow accumulated yesterday.

Avalanche Discussion

As the saying goes, Low danger doesn't mean no danger. Continue to use normal caution when traveling in the backcountry. What does normal caution mean?

  • Make a solid plan before a day in the backcountry. A plan helps you anticipate hazards (of which avalanches are only one), identify options for the day, and ensure everyone is prepared for an emergency.
  • Perform a trailhead gear check. A proper beacon check ensures everyone's transceiver can send and receive a signal. Is everyone's radio working and on the right channel? Airbags armed and ready?
  • Maintain situational awareness. Don't let your guard down even when the snowpack is generally stable. If you see a wind-loaded slope or another indicator of potential instability, don't assume it's safe just because the danger is Low. Identify and avoid other hazards such as large cornices.
  • Continue to use safe travel practices. It's easy to get sloppy with your travel practices during periods of stability. Continue to minimize your group's exposure to potential avalanche hazard, ideally traveling one at a time through steep terrain.

Regioni coperte