Avalanche warning issued for the Sawtooth area
KETCHUM, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — The Sawtooth Avalanche Center has issued a backcountry avalanche warning for the Sawtooth area.
The avalanche warning covers the Sawtooth, Smoky and Soldier Mountains. The warning also includes mountains near Atlanta, Stanley, Smiley Creek, Baker Creek, Dollarhide Summit and Fairfield, according to the avalanche center. The warning is in effect until 6 a.m. on Monday.
Heavy snow and strong winds mean the area’s risk for avalanches is high, according to the avalanche center. Avalanches large enough to bury people, snap trees or damage structures are very likely.
The avalanche center advised people to avoid slopes steeper than 30 degrees. Avalanches can be triggered from flat terrain above, below and to the sides of steep slopes.
Blaine County has already taken action, closing Warm Springs Road at the end of the pavement due to the avalanche risk, according to the county’s Facebook page.
The Sawtooth Avalanche Center has reported multiple avalanches in the past weekend:
On Saturday: a level D2 near Frenchman Creek and a D1.5 near Abe’s Armchair.
On Sunday: 3 D<1 near Twin Bowls, a slide on a road near Frenchman’s Bend, and multiple intentionally triggered avalanches by a professional.
Similar avalanche danger may exist at locations outside the coverage area, according to the avalanche center.
Stay tuned for updates about the avalanche warning and winter weather from the KMVT Weather Center.
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