Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Avalanche Occurrence

General Information

This persistent slab avalanche failed near the end of the recent storm on a NW-W aspect at 9650' (upper elevation) in the Murdoch Creek drainage.

Observer:
SAC Forecaster

Verified by SAC?
Yes

Occurrence Date:
Dec 26, 2021 (+/- 1 day)

Location:
Murdoch Creek

Comments:

Appears to have failed at the end of the storm on 12/11 layer (based on depth and appearance).

Avalanche Characteristics

# of Avys:
1
Aspect:
NW (W,NW)
Start Zone Elev:
9650ft
Size:
D2
Type:
U-Unknown
Trigger:
N-Natural
Bed Surface:
O-Old Snow
Depth:
3ft
Width:
200ft
Weak Layer:
Dec 11, 2021 (FC)
Comments:

Estimated width and depth based on photo. Unsure of weak layer, but will say it's 12/11 with fairly high confidence based on location of slide (shady upper elevation aspect) and rocks in bed surface.

Media

This persistent slab avalanche failed near the end of the recent storm on a NW-W aspect at 9650' (upper elevation) in the Murdoch Creek drainage.