Blaine County Sheriff Search and Rescue

12/17/2024

The danger is CONSIDERABLE. Natural and human-triggered avalanches are likely, especially on slopes exposed to the wind or basking in direct sunlight this afternoon.

A fatality occurred Sunday near Cascade Lake. We send our sincere condolences to the victim's family and friends.
Visit our website at www.sawtoothavalanche.com for today's full forecast and a link to preliminary details on the fatal accident.
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El peligro es CONSIDERABLE. Es probable que se produzcan avalanchas naturales o provocadas por el hombre, especialmente en las laderas expuestas al viento o que reciben la luz solar directa esta tarde.

El domingo se produjo una fatalidad cerca del lago Cascade. Enviamos nuestras más sinceras condolencias a la familia y amigos de la víctima.
Visite nuestro sitio web en www.sawtoothavalanche.com para obtener el pronóstico completo de hoy y un enlace a los detalles preliminares sobre el accidente fatal.

News October 31st, 2024 The hills are turning white, and we’re getting organized for the upcoming winter season. We published our first General Avalanche Information product of the season today. Click here to view the Storm Totals page and see how much it has been snowing. You can view our 2023-20...

11/20/2024

Hello Winter.
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Hold on to your hats! Moisture from a powerful low pressure system and associated atmospheric river will impact the area through the weekend. Rain lines will hover between 6500-8000 feet Thursday and Friday.

Natural and human triggered avalanches will become likely by Thursday evening. A warm, wet storm will double the snowpack at upper elevations, and many slopes below 8000' will see a mix of rain and dense snowfall. With this much snowfall and rain, thin early season snowpacks typically produce avalanches.

Dry snowpacks do not react well to rapid change, including heavy snowfall, wind-loading, rain, or temperatures warming to near or above freezing. As this storm progresses, assume that all slopes with more than about a foot of snow on the ground are "guilty until proven innocent."

Check the updated General Avalanche Information product on our website: www.sawtoothavalache.com

10/31/2024

This is our least favorite costume. If you choose to go out as an Unprepared Backcountry Recreationist, you will likely meet one of our Blaine County Sheriff Search and Rescue members soon. Please ensure you know the forecasted conditions before you go and be prepared for winter hazards. Public Safety is our Priority.

04/10/2024

As the weather improves, we understand that many of you may be eager to lace up your hiking boots and head out onto the trails. While exploring the outdoors is great, we simply want to remind you to prioritize safety during your adventures.

Many backcountry areas still have significant snow. Be alert for avalanches and check the avalanche forecast BEFORE you go. Please stay off muddy trails.

- Make sure to plan your route
- Check the weather & dress accordingly
- Before heading out, tell someone your plans & route
- Stay hydrated, nourished & wear sunscreen
- Wear appropriate footwear and clothing
- Take breaks
- Be prepared for emergencies
- KNOW YOUR LIMITS

Remember if you don’t follow these tips, BCSAR may have to come searching for you. Happy hiking!

What are some of your favorite spots to hike?

02/14/2024

BCSAR Winter Training: Last Saturday, Blaine County Search and Rescue led by deputies from the Blaine County Sheriff's Office held a winter rescue training at Baker Creek. The 6-hour training was a single-victim avalanche scenario to maintain the readiness of our BCSAR members. We are happy to report that our "volunteer victim" was safely rescued from her snow cave-in. Members of BCSAR meet regularly and volunteer their time so "Others May Live"

01/26/2024

Avalanche conditions are sketchy. Skiers and riders remotely triggered powerful avalanches from hundreds to thousands of feet away 5 of the past 6 days—expect more of the same today. Avalanches will be larger and more destructive as you gain elevation and move into wind-affected terrain. Traveling safely even near avalanche terrain is difficult—build in extra safety margins.

The Baker Creek Beacon Checker is up and running - thanks to our partners at the Sawtooth Snowmobile Club and Blaine County Sheriff Search and Rescue for this great community resource!

Check the Forecast at www.sawtoothavalanche.com each day before you head out.

12/22/2022

12/06/2022

Today's avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE.

The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE. You're likely to trigger a 1-3 foot thick avalanche on many slopes. Wind-drifted terrain is most dangerous, but you could also trigger a slide in sheltered areas. Choose lower-angled terrain to reduce your risk. Avalanches may be triggered remotely—from gentler terrain above, below, and to the sides of steep slopes.

Observers continue to report obvious signs of instability including widespread collapsing of the snowpack and triggered avalanches. Riders in the Alturas drainage near Smiley Creek remotely-triggered this avalanche yesterday from low-angled terrain several hundred yards away.

12/06/2022

The history of avalanche search dogs traces its beginnings back over 1,000 years ago to the year 980 when Bernard of Menthon built a monastery and inn at the top of St. Bernard Pass. Since those early St. Bernards, Sun Valley Resort’s Avalanche Dog program has waxed and waned. While the past few years have presented several challenges to the avalanche dog program, that’s all starting to change thanks to the hard work, devotion, and enthusiasm of a few Sun Valley Ski Patrollers. This season, Sun Valley Resort is thrilled to introduce new visitors to Sun Valley Ski Patrol’s Avalanche Dog Program’s favorite furballs and their best friends, aka handlers.

Visit our blog https://www.sunvalley.com/blog/ for the full history of Avalanche Search Dogs in Sun Valley and what's in store for the program 🐶