Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Avalanche Occurrence

View Associated Field Report

General Information

This was triggered as a stiff wind pillow. It started out small, but entrained a significant amount of snow as it traveled down slope.

Observer:
SAC Forecaster

Verified by SAC?
Yes

Occurrence Date:
Dec 17, 2020 (+/- 1 day)

Location:
McDonald

Avalanche Characteristics

# of Avys:
5
Aspect:
N
Start Zone Elev:
9000ft
Size:
D1.5
Type:
SS-Soft Slab
Trigger:
AC-Cornice Drop
Comments:

Soft slab/cornice chunks entraining debris and picking up speed quickly.

Media

This was triggered as a stiff wind pillow. It started out small, but entrained a significant amount of snow as it traveled down slope.
This avalanche was triggered by a cornice. It started out small, but entrained a significant amount of snow as it traveled down slope. You can see the powder cloud in the trees near the bottom of the slope.