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The 2023 Online Auction is LIVE!
The snow is starting to fly, and we are gearing up for a busy winter season! Help us meet our goal of raising $20,000 by bidding on prizes in our online auction: Click here to enter the auction. AUCTION ENDS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10 AT 11:59pm Funding from the...
The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE. A storm brings new snow and plenty of wind to the area today. A fresh round of wind slabs is forming, and these slabs will continue to grow in size and sensitivity throughout the day. These slabs are adding stress to the weak snow buried near the ground. Head into the mountains with a conservative mindset. Don`t ignore obvious signs of instability like cracking and collapsing in the snowpack.
The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE today. A layer of weak snow underlies the snowpack on many slopes. Where this layer exists, human-triggered avalanches are uncomfortably likely. Triggered slides are unlikely to be small, particularly in our northern and western mountains where more recent snow has accumulated.
This photo shows the snowpack at 8,300` on a N/NE-facing slope in the Banner Summit zone. The weak snow is buried 2.5 feet deep in this location. This snowpit returned repeated unstable snowpack scores, including the ECTP 17 pictured here. Two other snowpits with old snow at the base of the snowpack returned similar results.
Tune in for our first Weekend Update of the season as SAC Forecaster Brooke tells us about what’s in store for the weekend. Listen to how our complex snowpack was shaping up before we started daily forecasts, how the days since have panned out, and what’s on the menu for this weekend.
SAC is presenting Avalanche Awareness at the East Idaho Avy Savvy night focused on motorized backcountry travel. The event is in Idaho Falls at the Colonial Theater.
Doors open at 6:30PM, presentation starts at 7:00PM
It’s an evening of avalanche awareness with a focus on Decision Making in the Backcountry. SAC will present and the movie “Into the Hills” will be screened. The first 500 attendees receive a gift bag!
#sawtoothavy #friendsofsac #backcountrysnowmobiling #avalanchesafety #avalancheeducation #avysavvy #eastidaho #idahofalls #skidoo
The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE. A series of storms brought 1-1.5` of snow to Banner Summit, the Sawtooths, and the W. Smokys in the last 36-hours. While storm totals are not overwhelming, the load is significant, especially considering the generally weak, shallow snowpack it`s adding to. Slides are most likely in windy, alpine terrain and on middle elevation slopes facing away from the sun. Avalanches may break wider than expected and can be triggered remotely—from gentler terrain above, below, or to the sides of steep slopes.
For the full forecast visit www.sawtoothavalanche.com
Classes & Events
Avy Savvy & Avalanche Awareness Night
Colonial Theater
Join us Monday December 11, 2023 at the Colonial Theater in Downtown Idaho Falls for the 2nd annual Avy Savvy and Avalanche Awareness Night! Doors open at 6:30 PM and event starts at 7:00 PM.
The event is FREE to attend and the first 500 attendees will receive a special gift back. There will be raffles prizes from KLIM, Ortovox, and more!
Avy Savvy is geared towards education and preparation for all backcountry recreators. There will be a movie screening of "Into the Hills" as well as a Winter Backcountry Safety presentation.
See you there!
Intro to Avalanches Presentation | Hailey
Community CampusHailey, ID83333 Map
Join us for a 2-hour presentation based on the Know Before You Go platform, introducing basic concepts about snow, avalanches, and traveling safely in and near avalanche terrain. Learn from the Friends of SAC instructor team of snow experts, mountain guides, and experienced avalanche educators.
We invite everyone to join if you’re learning about avalanches for the first time or are a seasoned backcountry user ready for a yearly refresher.
There is a $15 suggested donation, no preregistration required.
You must attend the entire talk to register for the optional field session. You can register for an optional field session ($50 suggested donation) here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdBULbilneqo0QaQ6UR8i8E9DxkIxNAJhFy5DJAG4dtGpa-4w/viewform?usp=s...
Please reach out to Annie at education@sawtoothavalanche.com with any questions.
Intro to Avalanches Field Day | Dec. 16
SNRA
Join the Friends of the Sawtooth Avalanche Center instructors for a field day covering avalanche rescue basics, snowpack layering, avalanche terrain identification, and basic backcountry travel. Please note- you need to have attended a Friends’ Introduction to Avalanches lecture prior to participating in the field day. The first presentation this winter is December 14 at 6pm in the Minnie Moore Room of the Community Campus in Hailey, ID.
There is a $50 suggested donation to the Friends of SAC to cover instructor costs. Donations can be made on www.sawtoothavalanche.com (click the donate button) or via Venmo @sawtooth-avalanche. On your donation, please note that this is in conjunction with a field day. Thank you!
We use a pre-registration system for courses due to high demand. Please sign up for a field day using this Field Day Sign Up Form: forms.gle/hBY2drU2uekEo6jd6
We will send out more information about the course in the week leading up to it. We will meet at the SNRA and then spend the day near the SNRA or on Galena Pass. You will need a way to travel over snow (snowshoes, touring skis, splitboard…)
Please reach out to Annie at education@sawtoothavalanche.com with any questions.
Intro to Avalanches Field Day | Dec. 17
SNRA
Join the Friends of the Sawtooth Avalanche Center instructors for a field day covering avalanche rescue basics, snowpack layering, avalanche terrain identification, and basic backcountry travel. Please note- you need to have attended a Friends’ Introduction to Avalanches presentation prior to participating in the field day. The first presentation this winter is December 14 at 6pm in the Minnie Moore Room of the Community Campus in Hailey, ID.
There is a $50 suggested donation to the Friends of SAC to cover instructor costs. Donations can be made on www.sawtoothavalanche.com (click the donate button) or via Venmo @sawtooth-avalanche. On your donation, please note that this is in conjunction with a field day. Thank you!
We use a pre-registration system for courses due to high demand. Please sign up for a field day using this Field Day Sign Up Form: forms.gle/hBY2drU2uekEo6jd6
We will send out more information about the course in the week leading up to it. We will meet at the SNRA and then spend the day near the SNRA or on Galena Pass. You will need a way to travel over snow (snowshoes, touring skis, splitboard…) Please reach out to Annie at education@sawtoothavalanche.com with any questions.
Digging Deeper Series | The Effects of Wildfire on Avalanche Terrain
Sawtooth Brewery Public House631 Warm Springs RdKetchum, ID83340 Map
We all know that wildfires open up exciting new terrain for skiers and riders, but how do fires change the terrain component of the avalanche equation? Through modeling and field observations, we examined terrain near Smiley Creek, Idaho, that burned in 2022. Significant changes in forest cover caused notable increases in existing avalanche terrain in both the release areas and runout zones, but also caused areas previously classified as non-avalanche terrain (safe zones) to become avalanche terrain. As predicted, we observed larger avalanches affecting more terrain within the fire perimeter post-fire. This presentation focuses on how these findings impact recreational users.
Discussion begins at 7pm. Arrive early to order food and drinks!
The Forecast: Your Tool for Planning Ride
Karl Malone Powersports Hailey4040 Glenbrook DrHailey, ID83333 Map
Join the Friends and the Sawtooth Snowmobile Club for a presentation on how to use the Sawtooth Avalanche Center website and forecast to plan a ride. Thanks to Karl Malone Powersports in Hailey for hosting the presentation.
Intro to Avalanches Presentation | Boise
White Dog Brewing Boise705 W Fulton StBoise, ID83702 Map
Join the Friends of the Sawtooth Avalanche Center for a 2-hour presentation based on the Know Before You Go platform, introducing basic concepts about snow, avalanches, and traveling safely in and near avalanche terrain. Learn from the Friends of SAC instructor team of snow experts, mountain guides, and experienced avalanche educators. We invite everyone to join if you’re learning about avalanches for the first time or are a seasoned backcountry user ready for a yearly refresher.
Intro to Avalanches Presentation | Twin Falls
College of Southern Idaho315 Falls AveTwin Falls, ID83301 Map
Join the Friends of the Sawtooth Avalanche Center for a 2-hour presentation based on the Know Before You Go platform, introducing basic concepts about snow, avalanches, and traveling safely in and near avalanche terrain. Learn from the Friends of SAC instructor team of snow experts, mountain guides, and experienced avalanche educators. We invite everyone to join if you’re learning about avalanches for the first time or are a seasoned backcountry user ready for a yearly refresher.
Intro to Avalanches Presentation | Ketchum
The Community Library415 Spruce Ave NorthKetchum, ID83340 Map
Join the Friends of the Sawtooth Avalanche Center for a 2-hour presentation based on the Know Before You Go platform, introducing basic concepts about snow, avalanches, and traveling safely in and near avalanche terrain. Learn from the Friends of SAC instructor team of snow experts, mountain guides, and experienced avalanche educators. We invite everyone to join if you’re learning about avalanches for the first time or are a seasoned backcountry user ready for a yearly refresher.
SNRA
Join the Friends of the Sawtooth Avalanche Center instructors for a field day covering avalanche rescue basics, snowpack layering, avalanche terrain identification, and basic backcountry travel.
Please note- you need to have attended a Friends’ Introduction to Avalanches presentation prior to participating in the field day.
There is a $50 suggested donation to the Friends of SAC to cover instructor costs. Donations can be made on www.sawtoothavalanche.com (click the donate button) or via Venmo @sawtooth-avalanche. On your donation, please note that this is in conjunction with a field day. Thank you!
We use a pre-registration system for courses due to high demand. Please sign up for a field day using this Field Day Sign Up Form: forms.gle/hBY2drU2uekEo6jd6
We will send out more information about the course in the week leading up to it. We will meet at the SNRA and then spend the day near the SNRA or on Galena Pass. You will need a way to travel over snow (snowshoes, touring skis, splitboard…)
Please reach out to Annie at education@sawtoothavalanche.com with any questions.
After the Avalanche: Winter First Aid
Ketchum Fire Station
An avalanche has happened and you’ve been able to successfully dig out your partner? Now what? The After the Avalanche series classes focus on different aspects of patient care following an avalanche. The first class will dig into winter first aid. The class will take place at 5:30 pm at the Ketchum Fire Station on February 1.
Please register here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdg60tTA55Uyzghf3zE5gn_d_cJz-BWxRqxVtYq2-DpDvUP2w/viewform?usp=s...
Please reach out to Annie at education@sawtoothavalanche.com with any questions.
Motorized Intro to Avalanches Field Day | Baker Creek
Baker Creek
Designed for motorized backcountry travel. Join the Friends of the Sawtooth Avalanche Center instructors for a field day covering avalanche rescue basics, snowpack layering, avalanche terrain identification, and basic backcountry travel.
The field day will take place at Baker Creek.
There is a connected presentation at the Sawtooth Snowmobile Club at Karl Malone’s in Hailey on January 10. We highly recommend going to that before coming to the field day.
Please pre-register with this link: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdBULbilneqo0QaQ6UR8i8E9DxkIxNAJhFy5DJAG4dtGpa-4w/viewform?usp=s... and email Annie at education@sawtoothavalanche.com with any questions.
There is a $50 suggested donation to the Friends of the SAC to cover instructor costs. Donations can be made on www.sawtoothavalanche.com (click the donate button) or via Venmo @sawtooth-avalanche. Thank you!
More information will be sent out the week of the event!
After the Avalanche: What’s Your Plan?
Ketchum Fire Station
An avalanche has happened and you’ve been able to successfully dig out your partner? Now what? The After the Avalanche series classes focus on different aspects of patient care following an avalanche. The second class will dig into initiating help from outside resources and the mechanics of planning and executing an evacuation plan. The class will take place on Tuesday, February 13th at 9 am at the Ketchum Fire Station.
Please register here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdg60tTA55Uyzghf3zE5gn_d_cJz-BWxRqxVtYq2-DpDvUP2w/viewform?usp=s...
Please email Annie at education@sawtoothavalanche.com with any questions.
Intro to Avalanches Presentation | Virtual
College of Southern Idaho315 Falls AveTwin Falls, ID83301 Map
Join the Friends of the Sawtooth Avalanche Center for a 2-hour presentation based on the Know Before You Go platform, introducing basic concepts about snow, avalanches, and traveling safely in and near avalanche terrain. Learn from the Friends of SAC instructor team of snow experts, mountain guides, and experienced avalanche educators. We invite everyone to join if you’re learning about avalanches for the first time or are a seasoned backcountry user ready for a yearly refresher.
There is a $15 suggested donation, no preregistration required. You must attend the entire talk to register for the optional field session. You can register for an optional field session ($50 suggested donation) here:
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdBULbilneqo0QaQ6UR8i8E9DxkIxNAJhFy5DJAG4dtGpa-4w/viewform?usp=s...
Please reach out to Annie at education@sawtoothavalanche.com with any questions.
SNRA
Join the Friends of the Sawtooth Avalanche Center instructors for a field day covering avalanche rescue basics, snowpack layering, avalanche terrain identification, and basic backcountry travel.
Please note- you need to have attended a Friends’ Introduction to Avalanches presentation prior to participating in the field day.
There is a $50 suggested donation to the Friends of SAC to cover instructor costs. Donations can be made on www.sawtoothavalanche.com (click the donate button) or via Venmo @sawtooth-avalanche. On your donation, please note that this is in conjunction with a field day. Thank you!
We use a pre-registration system for courses due to high demand. Please sign up for a field day using this Field Day Sign Up Form: forms.gle/hBY2drU2uekEo6jd6
We will send out more information about the course in the week leading up to it. We will meet at the SNRA and then spend the day near the SNRA or on Galena Pass. You will need a way to travel over snow (snowshoes, touring skis, splitboard…)
Please reach out to Annie at education@sawtoothavalanche.com with any questions.
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Además de los grupos que hablarán inglés, también habrá un grupo que hablará español durante este día de campo. Las personas pueden inscribirse específicamente para ese grupo de día de campo.
Únase a los instructores de Friends of the Sawtooth Avalanche Center para un día de campo que cubrirá los conceptos básicos del rescate de avalanchas, capas de nieve, identificación del terreno de avalanchas y viajes básicos por el campo.
Tenga en cuenta que debe haber asistido a una presentación de Introducción a las avalanchas de los amigos antes de participar en el día de campo.
Se sugiere una donación de $50 a Friends of SAC para cubrir los costos del instructor. Las donaciones se pueden hacer en www.sawtoothavalanche.com (haga clic en el botón donar) o a través de Venmo @sawtooth-avalanche. En su donación, tenga en cuenta que esto se realiza junto con un día de campo. ¡Gracias!
Utilizamos un sistema de preinscripción para cursos debido a la alta demanda. Regístrese para un día de campo utilizando este formulario de inscripción para el día de campo: forms.gle/hBY2drU2uekEo6jd6
Enviaremos más información sobre el curso en la semana previa. Nos encontraremos en la SNRA y luego pasaremos el día cerca de la SNRA o en Galena Pass. Necesitarás un medio para desplazarte sobre la nieve (raquetas de nieve, esquís de travesía, splitboard…)
Comuníquese con Annie en education@sawtoothavalanche.com si tiene alguna pregunta.
Ketchum Fire Station
An avalanche has happened and you’ve been able to successfully dig out your partner? Now what? The After the Avalanche series classes focus on different aspects of patient care following an avalanche. The final class will be a Heartsaver CPR class. The class will take place at 5:30pm at the Ketchum Fire Station on Thursday, February 29.
Please register here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdg60tTA55Uyzghf3zE5gn_d_cJz-BWxRqxVtYq2-DpDvUP2w/viewform?usp=s...
The American Heart Association (AHA) Heartsaver Certification is designed to teach the basics for those who want to learn how to help save a life. The certification covers proper body mechanics, the elements that make a good chest compression, and how to use an AED.
Please reach out to Annie at education@sawtoothavalanche.com with any questions.
BCRD Hispanic Ski and Snowshoe Day
The BCRD1050 Fox Acres RdHailey, ID83333 Map
The Friends of the Sawtooth Avalanche Center is excited to be part of the Blaine County Recreation District's Hispanic Ski and Snowshoe Day. Stop by the FSAC table in order to learn how to use a transceiver, shovel and probe and to hear about more opportunities for avalanche education in Spanish.
Friends of the Sawtooth Avalanche Center se complace en colaborar con el Distrito de Recreación del Condado de Blaine para el Día Hispano de Esquí y Raquetas de Nieve del BCRD. Pase por la mesa de FSAC para aprender a usar un transceptor, una pala y una sonda y para conocer más oportunidades de educación sobre avalanchas en español.