Bollettino valanghe

Soldier & Wood River Valley Mtns

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

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

Triggering a large slab avalanche is most likely on steep slopes facing the northern two-thirds of the compass, especially in the eastern part of this zone where the snowpack is thinner. Anticipate loose snow avalanches in very steep, rocky terrain receiving direct sun.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Possible
    Dimensione
    2–2.5

    Slabs that formed in early February rest above a variety of ugly, widespread, weak layers (facets, surface hoar, crusts, and combinations). Tuesday, a large persistent slab avalanche was triggered on a NW facing slope on Patterson Pk above Hailey.

    Observers and professionals around the Wood River Valley continue to report frequent collapsing or whumpfing. These are clear signs that triggering one of these slides remains a real possibility. Persistent Slabs can release in surprising ways and break much wider than expected. You are most likely to trigger a dense, 2-4 foot thick avalanche where:

    • The slab is less than about 2' thick—this is the case on many slopes surrounding the Wood River Valley. Relatively shallower spots may exist where the wind frequently blows.
    • Any part of the slope you are on or connected to is steeper than about 35 degrees
    • The slope faces the northern 2/3 of the compass
    • A smaller wind slab or loose snow avalanche overloads the buried weak layers

    (2/18/2025) A skier on Patterson Pk near Hailey triggered this large avalanche. After several turns on the slope, the slide broke above and around them. Thankfully, the skier was able to ski ahead and to the side of the slab. NW @ 8,050'.

    Photo: Sawtooth Avalanche Center

  • Loose Wet

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

    Recent snowfall has increased the odds of loose snow avalanches on all aspects. The largest of these are most likely on very steep, rocky slopes receiving direct sun. These slides often initiate near the base of trees and rocks, gathering snow and growing in size as they move downhill. Rollerballs, or pinwheels, signify that the snow is heating up, and wet avalanches may soon follow. 

    While most will start small, they could be large enough to knock you off your feet and carry you into unwanted terrain. Even small slides are consequential above terrain traps such as gullies, creeks, and thick timber. Plan your day to avoid lingering under steep, sunny slopes when the sun is out.

    (2/18/2025) Sun-induced loose snow avalanches on Boulder Pk in the Boulder Mountains. Photo: Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Given the recent snowfall and wind, continue to look for and avoid steep slopes with obvious recent wind loading or signs of instability, like snowpack cracking or collapsing. Sluffing in very steep terrain is possible in dry snow on shaded slopes but is much more likely on any very steep slope soaking in the sun. Be aware of where even small avalanches may take you; terrain traps increase the consequence of being caught or buried.

Tuesday, a skier on Patterson Pk near Hailey triggered a large persistent slab avalanche. The slide broke above and around them after several turns on the slope. Thankfully, the skier was able to ski ahead and to the side of the slab. We've observed multiple avalanches in thin snowpacks around the Wood River Valley since the first week of February:

  • February 6th: Natural avalanches on Patterson Pk (info)
  • February 9th: Skier triggered slide in Lake Creek (info, video)
  • February 16th-17th: Avalanches on Sun Mountain (info 1, info 2)
  • February 18th: Skier triggered slide on Patterson Pk (info)

These slides occurred on shadier NW-NE-E aspects where the slab was around 2' thick. Persistent slab problems can take a long time to heal. These slides and reports of collapsing in shallow snowpacks clearly indicate that triggering one of these slides remains a concern. Remember that tracks on a slope do not mean it's safe. Avalanches could be triggered after multiple people have skied the slope. 

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