Bollettino valanghe

Soldier & Wood River Valley Mtns

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
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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

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. Sluffs involving the surface snow may release naturally on very steep, slopes basking in direct, unobscured sunlight. 

Problemi valanghivi

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    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 snowpack is less than about 4 feet 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

Avalanche Discussion

Very steep slopes basking in direct sunlight may still harbor enough ammo to release naturally with today’s continued sunshine. You can hedge your bets by avoiding lingering under these slopes soaking in the sun or seeking cooler slopes if you find a mushy, wet snow surface. Thin wind slabs may linger near ridge tops or in upper elevation terrain, watch for signs of wind-drifted snow or instability, such as cracking or collapsing. Dry sluffs from the recent snowfall are also possible in very steep, wind-sheltered terrain.

The Eastern portion of this zone is where you are most likely to find trouble. Continued reports of collapsing and recent avalanche activity around the Wood River Vally are clear indicators that triggering a persistent slab avalanche remains a concern: 

  • 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 avalanches occurred on shaded (NW-NE-E) aspects where the snowpack was generally shallow, less than about 4 feet deep. Remember that tracks on a slope do not mean it's safe. Avalanches could be triggered after multiple people have skied the slope. 

Regioni coperte