Avalanche Occurrence

View Associated Field Report

This large avalanche released several days ago in the Beaver Creek drainage near Smiley Creek. It broke over 120' wide in very steep, wind-loaded terrain. The depth and aspect (S) of the slide are consistent with a crust/facet layer buried about 3' deep. This same layer was responsible for a fatal avalanche in the Smiley Creek drainage on February 19th. 9300', S.

Observer:

SAC Forecaster

Verified by SAC?

Yes

Occurrence Date:

Feb 17, 2021 (+/- 3 days)

Location:

Beaver Creek

# of Avys:

1

Aspect:

S

Start Zone Elev:

9300ft

Size:

D2

Trigger:

N-Natural

Bed Surface:

O-Old Snow

Depth:

3.5ft

Width:

130ft

Vertical Fall:

500ft

Weak Layer:

Jan 27, 2021 (FCsf)

Comments:

Depth and aspect are consistent with 1/27 crust/facet layer

This large avalanche released several days ago in the Beaver Creek drainage near Smiley Creek. It broke over 120' wide in very steep, wind-loaded terrain. The depth and aspect (S) of the slide are consistent with a crust/facet layer buried about 3' deep. This same layer was responsible for a fatal avalanche in the Smiley Creek drainage on February 19th. 9300', S.

This large avalanche released several days ago in the Beaver Creek drainage near Smiley Creek. It broke over 120' wide in very steep, wind-loaded terrain. The depth and aspect (S) of the slide are consistent with a crust/facet layer buried about 3' deep. This same layer was responsible for a fatal avalanche in the Smiley Creek drainage on February 19th. 9300', S.