Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Avalanche Occurrence

General Information

Skier-triggered slide in the east bowl of Avalanche Peak on Galena Summit. Blue arrow marks the approximate entry. It appeared that the skier was able to escape off of the slab.

Observer:
SAC Forecaster

Verified by SAC?
Yes

Occurrence Date:
Dec 26, 2020 (Exact)

Location:
Avalanche Peak East Bowl

Comments:

Professional observer reported skier triggered slide and sent attached photo. Reported that skier triggered it on entry and was able to ski off it. Suspected weak layer 12/11 FCsf.

Avalanche Characteristics

# of Avys:
1
Aspect:
E (E,NE)
Start Zone Elev:
9300ft
Size:
D2
Type:
SS-Soft Slab
Trigger:
AS-Skier
u-Unintentional
Bed Surface:
O-Old Snow
Depth:
1.5ft (max: 2ft)
Width:
70ft
Weak Layer:
Dec 11, 2020 (FCsf)

Impacts

Human Involvement:
1 - Caught
Vehicle Involvement:
None Reported
Structure Involvement:
None Reported
Comments:

1 skier appeared to have been temporarily caught but skied off slab.

Media

Skier-triggered slide in the east bowl of Avalanche Peak on Galena Summit. Blue arrow marks the approximate entry. It appeared that the skier was able to escape off of the slab.