Soldier & Wood River Valley Mtns

 As of 4 AM Monday, an estimated 6-16" of snowfall accumulated in upper elevation terrain in the Sawtooth & Western Smoky Mtns and Banner Summit zones as well as along the crest of the Smoky Mtns from Titus Peak to Dollarhide Summit.  Lesser amounts appeared to fall in the southern and eastern mountain ranges. The new snow fell on wet snow surfaces on many slopes and possibly on frozen crusts in some upper elevation locations; the new snow could be well bonded to the old snow surface in places but sensitive to triggering in other locations. Temperatures cooled significantly during the weekend precipitation events, and touchy mid-storm interfaces may have formed within the new snow.  Some details on what to expect Monday and Tuesday:

Dry Slab Avalanches: Watch for fresh wind slabs beneath cornices and ridgelines and in alpine cirques and couloirs. Moderate to strong, SE-S-SW wind accompanied Sunday's snowfall; expect larger and more widespread slabs on slopes facing NW-N-NE-E. If more than about 6" of new snow fell where you're traveling, watch for drifts, dunes, and smooth pillows of snow, signs the wind has been at work. Cracks shooting out from your boards or sled are a clear sign you've found a sensitive slab. If/when Monday evening or Tuesday's expected sunshine rapidly consolidates the new storm snow, natural or human-triggered Storm Slab avalanche issues could develop on steep, wind-protected slopes that check 2 boxes:  1) around a foot or more snow fell and 2) the slope directly faces the sun. 

Loose Snow Avalanches:  In very steep terrain, expect to trigger relatively small loose snow avalanches (sluffs) within the new snow. Even brief periods of sunshine could induce natural sluffs. If skies are mostly clear Tuesday, expect to see some natural, dry and wet loose avalanche activity where more than about 6" of snow fell. Tuesday's expected natural activity should follow the sun around the compass:  E-SE aspects in the morning, S-SW facing slopes by noon, and W-NW aspects later in the day.  Very steep, rocky, sun-drenched avalanche paths that are protected from the wind are most suspect. Loose snow avalanches could trigger larger slab avalanches in wind-loaded gullies and on aprons at the bottom of chutes. 

Wet Avalanches: Wet avalanches involving the old snow are unlikely, but we can't completely rule them out. In some middle elevation terrain, you could find only thin frozen crusts keeping you above the soggy wet snow. Avoid any steep slopes where you're falling or sinking into a wet, mushy, unsupportable snowpack. 

Wednesday & Thursday: Dry snow avalanche problems should continue to drive terrain choices and backcountry travel. Monday night and Tuesday's expected cold, partly cloudy weather could form crusts & faceted snow at the surface, possibly creating more complex avalanche conditions as snow piles up later this week. Be prepared to dial back your terrain choices if the Wed-Thurs storm produces snowfall and wind as forecasted.  

Recent Observations: 

• April 12th - Williams Peak area: CLICK HERE
• April 11th - Williams Peak area: CLICK HERE
• April 10th - Williams Peak area: CLICK HERE
• April 9th - Williams Peak area: CLICK HERE
• April 9th - Titus Ridge, Galena Summit: CLICK HERE

 

SNOWPACK AND AVALANCHE GENERAL INFORMATION

Some basic points to remember until you put the sleds and boards away for the summer:

• Spring weather can rapidly alter snow conditions and snow stability. Think minutes and hours rather than days and weeks.
• Storm slab and wind slab avalanches are most likely during and immediately following a storm. 
• Short periods of sunshine after a snowstorm can quickly create wet loose avalanche instabilities.
• Keep wet slab avalanches in mind, especially during rain events and when we go days without the temperature dropping below freezing. Many shady, upper elevation slopes have not yet gone through a "spring transition". Travel cautiously in this terrain when rain or hot, sunny spells push meltwater deeper into the snowpack. 
• Give cornices a wide berth and don’t linger beneath them. 
• Complicated, consequential terrain doesn’t get less complex or serious in the spring and summer. Respect the mountains, maintain safe travel procedures, and keep your guard up.
  
  

OBSERVATIONS

Even though we’re done issuing forecasts, we’ll continue posting observations when we get out in the mountains. We encourage you to do the same. Please let everyone know what you’re seeing out there, especially if you see or trigger any avalanches. We’re always trying to collect as much information as possible about large wet slab avalanches (where, when, etc); let us know if you come across any of these beasts in your travels. There are several ways to stay connected and to share what you see:

Submit an Observation:

• CLICK HERE for the online form
• Download the Avy App: Apple | Android
• Email us: info@sawtoothavalanche.com
• Text us at 208-481-5921

 

View Observations:

• CLICK HERE to view Observations.
• CLICK HERE for details on recent Avalanches.
• CLICK HERE to view our Photos & Video page.