Bollettino valanghe

Sawtooth & Western Smoky Mtns

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Tue
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 most likely on wind-exposed slopes at upper elevations. Wet loose avalanches are possible on solar slopes and slopes still holding soft snow as the day warms up. Avoiding wind-loaded slopes and areas where the snow surface is wetting are the great ways to avoid getting into trouble.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recent snowfall and strong W-NW winds resulted in a small cycle of natural wind slab avalanches. These slabs of wind-consolidated snow still need time to heal and may break wider than you expect due to subtle persistent weak layers (facets and crust + facet combinations) buried just below the slabs on some slopes.

    It is possible to trigger a wind slab avalanche near ridgelines, in cross-loaded gullies, and in aprons below steeper terrain. Although primarily found in upper elevation slopes facing the eastern half of the compass, you may find lingering pockets of wind slab in middle elevations and other aspects. Fortunately, managing this problem is relatively simple: Wind-drifted snow will feel stiff and may keep you on the surface. Watch for dunes, drifts, and snow pillows or cracks shooting out from your skis or boards.

     

     

    (3/23/2025) Small skier triggered (intentionally) wind slab in the Beaver Creek area at 8950' on a N aspect

    Photo: Sawtooth Avalanche Center

  • Loose Wet

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

    Wet loose avalanches are possible on steep solar slopes and slopes holding unconsolidated snow.  Direct sunshine, minimal wind, or extended periods of thin or partial cloud cover (hot, steamy "greenhousing" conditions), is expected to cause natural avalanche activity.  Slopes where the surface snow is soft and fluffy at lower and mid-elevations will be the fastest to weaken today. These slides often initiate near the base of trees and rocks, starting small then gathering snow and growing in size as they move downhill.

    Rollerballs, pinwheels, and trenchy trail-breaking are bullseye observations signalling that the snow is heating up, and wet avalanches may soon follow. Even small slides can be consequential above terrain traps such as gullies, creeks, and thick timber. Plan your day to avoid lingering under big avalanche paths longer than needed.

    Today's warm temperatures and sun could also cause cornices to fail and entrain snow as they fall downhill. 

Avalanche Discussion

We're still tracking the progress and distribution of persistent weak layers buried 2-4 feet down in the snowpack. These lingering weak layers display varying results in stability tests, but seem to be most prominent above 8000' on slopes facing E-NE-N-NW, although uncertainty exists regarding its overall distribution. Slopes having the right (or wrong) combination of weak layer and overlying slab are not widespread. Unfortunately, this is not a good thing! The spotty nature of the problem makes assessing each slope you want to ski or ride much more complex, and conditions are ripe for getting unlucky, especially with warm temperatures actively transitioning the winter snowpack to a spring one over the next few days.

The best approach is to take a step back and choose more conservative terrain. You are most likely to trigger a persistent slab avalanche in mid and upper elevation terrain where the wind has redistributed snow and formed a thicker slab atop the weak layers. The best riding today will be in upper elevation sheltered slopes where there is no evidence of recent wind-loading and the snow surface is staying cool.

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