AVALANCHE WARNING in Effect in Sawtooths, Other Mountains

KETCHUM, Idaho (KLIX) – An avalanche warning is in effect from 5 p.m. Thursday through 7:30 p.m. Saturday in several locations, according to the Sawtooth Avalanche Center.

The center issued a warning late Thursday afternoon, saying affected areas include the Sawtooth, Soldier, Smoky, White Cloud, Boulder and Pioneer mountains and those near Banner Summit, as well as Stanley, Smiley Creek, Galena Summit, Ketchum and Fairfield.

The avalanche danger for the warning area is high,” the center said.  “Heavy snow and wind are combining to overload a weak snowpack. Widespread avalanching will occur.”

The center says it advises against traveling in or near avalanche terrain.

“Slides may run long distances, into flat areas, and into mature forests. Stay off and out from under slopes steeper than about 30 degrees.”