Avalanche

Galena Summit to Ketchum and up the East Fork

Zachary MillerSoldier & Wood River Valley Mtns
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Quick report

We observed the widespread natural (and plow-triggered) persistent slab avalanche cycle today from Galena Summit down to Ketchum and out the East Fork. Most avalanches observed were size ~D1.5, but visibility was limited to observe the larger avalanche paths where we expect larger avalanches may have occurred.

Widespread natural avalanche cycle observed that all appear to have occurred in the past 24 hours.

Weather

Air Temp
~30
Cloud Cover
overcast
Wind Loading
light
Rain Elevation
~6900 max
Recent Snowfall
40-70
Snow Avail For Transport
moderate amounts

Light freezing rain around Prairie Creek TH at 1:15pm and afternoon clearing in the valley south of Ketchum later in the afternoon.

Avalanche

Size
D2 R3
Type
SS
Aspect
NW
Trigger
AV
Elevation
8330 ft

Observed no less than 35 natural avalanches today, primarily on NW, N, NE, and E aspects on steeper slopes. Many crowns were connected through and around terrain features - a classic persistent slab characteristic. These avalanches all appeared to have failed at the old snow/new snow interface and were 40-70cm thick (storm snow since 1/31/2025).