Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Public Field Report

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 29, 2020
Submitted:
February 29, 2020
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Funkel

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
9400
Aspect:
S
Comments:
Avalanche seemed to be at least a few days old. There were tracks above the slide and to skiers left of the right flank. Beacon search turned up no results. Could have been human triggered, but most likely a cornice dropped from the large rock overhang above the Avalanche site triggering the small soft slab slide. There was a small, but not very defined crown.
Photo:

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Terrain was ~30 degrees and south facing. The snowpack was mainly crust, with 2-4 inches of faceted snow beneath. Conditions seemed very stable and we were not worried despite seeing the slide. We mainly rode on S and SW aspects. Mild wind was blowing from the west. .5 inches of snow.