We've posted our final General Avalanche Information product of the season. With continued warming and mostly clear skies forecast this weekend, expect to find wet snow avalanches. Getting out early and returning to the trailhead early are great ways to keep out of trouble this weekend. If you're out enjoying spring in the mountains - please toss us an observation to keep the community informed of conditions!
Head to sawtoothavalanche.com for more information
Photo: View south of spring clouds and showers from atop Reward Peak (last spring)
We've updated our General Avalanche Information product. After 3-10" of new snowfall this week, be on the lookout for cracking or collapsing as evidence of unstable snow. Cool temperatures and light snow flurries will do little to change the avalanche equation over the next few days. Keeping your senses primed for changing conditions or unexpected hazards is the best way to play it safe in the mountains this weekend.
Head to sawtoothavalanche.com to get the full scoop!
We've updated the General Avalanche Information product this morning. With high temperatures in the 50s F forecast for both Monday and Tuesday, surface refreezes are expected to break down quickly, so time your corn harvests early. Conditions will change rapidly Wednesday with a solid storm thumping the area. Plan to adjust your terrain choices to adapt to more wintery dry-snow avalanche problems (like the avalanche from the Titus Lake Chutes in the picture) later this week.
To get the scoop, head to sawtoothavalanche.com
PC: Chris Johnson
We've issued another updated General Avalanche Information product this morning. The next few days will bring warming temperatures and clearing skies after a winter couple of days and up to 22" (and over 3" of SWE) of snowfall this week. Be prepared for a mindset shift from wintery cold snow problems to spring wet snow problems. Be aware of changing conditions if you head into the mountains this weekend, especially when the clouds part and the powerful spring sunshine begins to break down surface conditions.
Photo: Spring squalls brought intense bouts of precipitation while in the field at Copper Mountain on Thursday.
We issued an updated General Avalanche Information product this morning. With a return to snowfall and winter-like temperatures, the chance and size of avalanches is increasing. If Wednesday's storm delivers as forecasted, the avalanche hazard will spike. Keep checking our website for updates.
Image: US National Weather Service - Pocatello office snowfall forecast through Thursday morning. This is in addition to the 6-16" of snow that fell in some upper elevation locations over the weekend.
#sawtoothavy
Snow is back in the forecast!
A spring storm will bring thunderstorms, rain, and then snow through the weekend. Precipitation will fall as rain on Friday. Snowlines will drop to around 8,000 feet on Saturday.
Natural wet snow avalanches are possible. Avoid steep slopes when rain is falling or where the snowpack is wet, mushy, and unsupportive. You might find triggerable, dry slab avalanches in alpine terrain by Sunday afternoon or Monday morning.
Image: Expected snowfall through Sunday.
For the latest information, visit:
We issued General Avalanche Information and Mountain Weather products this morning. Visit the website for details, and please let us know what you're seeing if you're out playing in the hills!
Photo: Recent natural slab avalanche in the Alturas Lake Ck drainage west of Smiley Creek, N aspect at 9600'.
#sawtoothavy
Today is our 118th and final daily Avalanche Forecast of the season. Thanks to everyone who makes these products possible through financial support, submitting Observations, accompanying us in the field, and working on our behalf!
Beginning tomorrow, we will issue General Avalanche Information products as needed through the end of April or early May.
Sunny skies and above-freezing temperatures will cause loose avalanches on steep slopes that face the sun. Triggering a large slab avalanche involving recent storm snow remains possible on upper elevation slopes.
The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE. Wind slabs at upper elevations, and a variety of sun-induced problems are on the list.
Today will be a day of rapid change for the snowpack. Yesterday, an observer near Banner Summit noted that the 2 feet of low-density powder turned to "concrete" after only 30 minutes of sun.
With a bluebird day and light wind on tap, expect conditions to change quickly as the sun warms the snow surface. Today is a great day to start and end early. You'll find the best skiing, riding, and stability this morning on colder, wind-protected slopes that face away from the sun.
For the full forecast, visit:
The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE. 6 to 16” of new snowfall over the past 48 hours (with more on the way today) combined with consistent winds created dangerous avalanche conditions. Triggering large slab avalanches is likely on wind-loaded slopes, and triggering loose avalanches is likely on steep, sheltered slopes. Travel one at a time if you choose to enter avalanche terrain today. Be aware of changing conditions and look for cracking & collapsing as indicators to choose mellower, more sheltered terrain.
Head to sawtoothavalanche.com for the complete picture.
Just when we thought winter had punched its timecard and clocked out - April Fools - it's back! With the return of snowfall, it's worth turning our brains back into winter mode and out of the simplified spring-diurnal mindset. Keep your head on a swivel for changing conditions if you're out enjoying the cold new snow, especially in areas where you find more than 6" of fresh snow.
For more info: sawtoothavalanche.com
Photo: A small natural Wet Loose avalanche observed yesterday near Bench Hut by Jon Preuss
