Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Avalanche Occurrence

View Associated Field Report

General Information

This avalanche failed on an E-facing slope on McDonald Peak in the Sawtooths. It appears to be triggered by a large collapsing cornice that entrained a significant amount of new snow and appears to have flanked out a weak layer 1-2 feet deep.

Observer:
SAC Forecaster

Verified by SAC?
Yes

Occurrence Date:
Feb 10, 2023 (+/- 1 day)

Location:
McDonald Peak

Comments:

This avalanche failed on an E-facing slope on McDonald Peak in the Sawtooths. It appears to be triggered by a large collapsing cornice that entrained a significant amount of new snow and appears to have flanked out a weak layer 1-2 feet deep.

Avalanche Characteristics

# of Avys:
1
Aspect:
E
Start Zone Elev:
9300ft
Size:
D1.5
Type:
SS-Soft Slab
Trigger:
N-Natural

Media

This avalanche failed on an E-facing slope on McDonald Peak in the Sawtooths. It appears to be triggered by a large collapsing cornice that entrained a significant amount of new snow and appears to have flanked out a weak layer 1-2 feet deep.
This avalanche failed on an E-facing slope on McDonald Peak in the Sawtooths. It appears to be triggered by a large collapsing cornice that entrained a significant amount of new snow and appears to have flanked out a weak layer 1-2 feet deep.