Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Avalanche Occurrence

General Information

Crown of a very large avalanche that was remotely triggered by riders from at least 500 feet away on the ridgeline above. It broke 4-5 feet deep and 800+feet wide. This slope faces W at 9,300' in the Frencman's drainage near Smiley Creek.

Observer:
SAC Forecaster

Verified by SAC?
Yes

Occurrence Date:
Mar 31, 2023 (Exact)

Location:
Frenchman's Creek drainage

Comments:

This avalanche was likely remotely triggered by riders on the ridge above, a distance of at least 500 feet.

Avalanche Characteristics

# of Avys:
1
Aspect:
W (SW,NW,W)
Start Zone Elev:
9300ft
Size:
D3
Type:
HS-Hard Slab
Trigger:
AM-Snowmobile
r-Remote
Width:
820ft
Weak Layer:
Feb 18, 2023 (FCsf) Feb 26, 2023 (FCsf)

Media

Crown of a very large avalanche that was remotely triggered by riders from at least 500 feet away on the ridgeline above. It broke 4-5 feet deep and 800+feet wide. This slope faces W at 9,300' in the Frencman's drainage near Smiley Creek.