Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Avalanche Occurrence

View Associated Field Report

General Information

This avalanche failed on an E facing slope at 9,500' after just 6

Observer:
SAC Forecaster

Verified by SAC?
Yes

Occurrence Date:
Dec 17, 2020 (+/- 1 day)

Location:
McDonald

Avalanche Characteristics

# of Avys:
1
Aspect:
E
Start Zone Elev:
9500ft
Size:
D2
Type:
SS-Soft Slab
Trigger:
N-Natural
Weak Layer:
Dec 11, 2020 (FCsf)

Media

This avalanche failed on an E facing slope at 9,500' after just 6" of snow fell. Visible are several different pockets that failed, the largest is on the left side of the frame. It appears that this heavily wind-loaded portion was able to trigger slides in more sheltered terrain as it traveled downslope.