Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Avalanche Occurrence

View Associated Field Report

General Information

Crown of a large natural avalanche that was observed in the Fourth of July Creek drainage in the White Cloud Mountains on 12/8. It likely failed on 12/4 or 12/5, during or shortly after a windy storm. Though the crown is not particularly wide, this slide picked up speed and entrained a lot of debris thanks to the nature of the terrain. This slope faces W at 9,800'.

Observer:
SAC Forecaster

Verified by SAC?
Yes

Occurrence Date:
Dec 5, 2022 (+/- 3 days)

Location:
Fourth of July

Comments:

This failed in a heavily wind-loaded location.

Avalanche Characteristics

# of Avys:
1
Aspect:
W
Start Zone Elev:
9800ft
Size:
D2.5
Type:
HS-Hard Slab
Trigger:
N-Natural
Weak Layer:
Nov 27, 2022 (FC)

Media

Crown of a large natural avalanche that was observed in the Fourth of July Creek drainage in the White Cloud Mountains on 12/8. It likely failed on 12/4 or 12/5, during or shortly after a windy storm. Though the crown is not particularly wide, this slide picked up speed and entrained a lot of debris thanks to the nature of the terrain. This slope faces W at 9,800'.