Bollettino valanghe

Soldier & Wood River Valley Mtns

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Thu
Alta quota
1 · Debole
Limite del bosco
1 · Debole
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
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In sintesi

Generally stable conditions exist. While unlikely, we can't rule out triggering a large avalanche in typically windy areas with variable snow depths, especially around the Wood River Valley. Even small slides can have big consequences on slopes with cliffs, trees, and terrain traps. Cornices are large and may be unstable—give them a wide berth.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Slabs exist above layers of weak snow buried during February storms. Before triggering an avalanche, you're unlikely to experience obvious signs of instability like snowpack cracking or collapsing. You are most likely to trigger a slide in the mountains around the Wood River Valley, and where:

    • The snowpack is relatively shallow - where the wind frequently blows, spots may exist where the slab is not uniformly thick
    • 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

    (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

Although the danger is LOW, there are some avalanche concerns to be aware of:

The last round of large natural slab avalanches occurred during intense wind-loading at the tail end of a storm one week ago. It appears that avalanche activity primarily occurred in windier upper elevation terrain of the Boulder mountains. The last human-triggered slab avalanche occurred on February 18th on Patterson Pk above Hailey. Triggering a similar slide remains a possibility on large, open, very steep, wind-loaded terrain with variable snow depths. 

If you decide to enter steep, typically windy terrain, look and feel for wind slabs. These slabs often form just below exposed ridgelines; some may remain sensitive to your weight. In more wind-sheltered terrain, anticipate the chance of triggering loose snow avalanches (sluffs) on north-facing slopes. Recent warm weather has caused cornices to sag, releasing onto the slopes below or opening cracks along ridgelines. Cornices can break further back from the edge than you may think. 

Remember that even small slides can have outsized consequences in extreme terrain. To stack the odds in your favor, give yourself multiple route options, ride and ski within your ability, and share the day with a skilled partner.

Regioni coperte