Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Avalanche Occurrence

General Information

This image shows the skier-triggered slide on Titus Ridge that occurred on Sunday, 12/26. The avalanche failed on a layer of weak snow that is buried across our forecast areas.

Observer:
SAC Forecaster

Verified by SAC?
Yes

Occurrence Date:
Dec 26, 2020 (Exact)

Location:
Titus Ridge "Forecasters' Rocks"

Comments:

An experienced backcountry skier triggered an avalanche while skiing a steep slope. He had reached the base of the slope when the avalanche reached him and buried him to his waist.

Avalanche Characteristics

# of Avys:
1
Aspect:
E
Start Zone Elev:
9300ft
Size:
D1.5
Type:
SS-Soft Slab
Trigger:
AS-Skier
u-Unintentional
Bed Surface:
O-Old Snow
Depth:
1.5ft
Weak Layer:
Dec 11, 2020 (FCsf)
Comments:

Crown depth estimated from photos.

Impacts

Human Involvement:
1 - Partially Buried Non-Critical
Vehicle Involvement:
None Reported
Structure Involvement:
None Reported
Comments:

Media

This image shows the skier-triggered slide on Titus Ridge that occurred on Sunday, 12/26. The avalanche failed on a layer of weak snow that is buried across our forecast areas.
An experienced backcountry skier apparently remotely triggered this avalanche while skiing an adjacent slope. He had reached the base of the slope when the avalanche reached him and buried him to his waist.