Avalanche Warning Issued for Areas in Sawtooth Mountains

KETCHUM, Idaho (KLIX) – Heavy snow and wind are combining to overload a weak snowpack, according to the Sawtooth Avalanche Center, elevating the risk of avalanches in backcountry locations across the Sawtooth Mountains.

The center has issued a backcountry avalanche warning through 7:30 a.m. Saturday. Affected areas include the mountains near Banner Summit, Stanley, Smiley Creek, Galena Summit, Ketchum and Fairfield.

“Widespread avalanching will occur, and very dangerous conditions exist,” reads information from the center. “Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Stay off of and out from underneath all steep slopes – slopes steeper than about 30 degrees.”

Additional avalanche information can be found at the SAC website.