Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Avalanche Occurrence

General Information

Large natural avalanche observed in upper Gladiator Creek.

Observer:
SAC Forecaster

Verified by SAC?
Yes

Occurrence Date:
Jan 9, 2021 (+/- 1 day)

Location:
Upper Gladiator Creek

Comments:

Based on other observations and the lack of recent snow on the bed surface or any drifting at the crown this avalanche likely occurred in the past two days. Avalanche failed on top of a 2cm thick melt-freeze crust that caps the December facet layer.

Avalanche Characteristics

# of Avys:
1
Aspect:
SW
Start Zone Elev:
9800ft
Size:
D2
Type:
SS-Soft Slab
Trigger:
N-Natural
Bed Surface:
O-Old Snow
Depth:
1.5ft
Width:
50ft
Start Zone Slope:
37°
Vertical Fall:
700ft
Weak Layer:
Dec 11, 2020 (FCsf)

Media

Large natural avalanche observed in upper Gladiator Creek.
Crown of large natural avalanche in upper Gladiator Creek.
Bed surface and debris of large natural avalanche in upper Gladiator Creek
Public Field Report: East of Gladiator Peak on the Blaine County - Custer County line