Public Field Report
Observation Details
Observation Date:
January 15, 2023Submitted:
January 15, 2023Zone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky MtnsActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Fishhook Drainage, 8700’, N-NW, ~ 35 degree slopeTriggered Avalanches
Did you trigger any avalanches?
YesWas it intentional?
NoAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a personElevation:
Middle to upper elevationsAspect:
NWComments:
This avalanche was remotely triggered on the up track from safe terrain. Over the past couple of days the Sawtooths have seen fresh snow and wind. This slide seemed to be a combination of that fresh snow transported by wind and building sensitive drifts over leeward slopes. The crown extended 150-200’, HS50-60, and out of view around the "corner" wrapping into steep alpine terrain. I do not have specific snow data as I felt it would be hazardous in trying to collect more information. I was at 8700’ on a N-NW facing slope.Signs of Unstable Snow
Did you see shooting cracks?
Yes, IsolatedDid you experience collapsing or whumpfing?
Yes, IsolatedObservations
Today’s plan was to climb out of the Fishhook drainage and gain the ridge that accessed NW facing terrain. The danger ratings climbed to considerable overnight due to fresh snow and wind building sensitive drifts. I did not observe strong winds however the amount of low density snow available for transport is in abundance. Earlier in the day on a 30-35 degree E facing slope, I observed a collapse in the snowpack without propagation. This was an early sign of an unstable snowpack. I believe the remote trigger was on a mostly isolated terrain feature, but obvious signs of instability were common in other slopes.
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