Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Avalanche Occurrence

General Information

Sun Valley Heli Ski remotely triggered this avalanche from lower angled terrain 800-1000' away. The group felt a collapse that propagated across the bowl into steeper, wind-loaded terrain. Avalanche released on a 9400', E aspect in the Western Smokys. Photo courtesy of Sun Valley Heli Ski.

Observer:
Professional

Verified by SAC?
Yes

Occurrence Date:
Jan 1, 2021 (Exact)

Location:
Snowslide Drainage

Avalanche Characteristics

# of Avys:
1
Aspect:
E
Start Zone Elev:
9450ft
Size:
D2 / R2
Type:
SS-Soft Slab
Trigger:
AS-Skier
r-Remote
Bed Surface:
O-Old Snow
Depth:
1.5ft (max: 4ft)
Width:
70ft
Start Zone Slope:
40°
Vertical Fall:
400ft
Weak Layer:
Dec 11, 2020 (FCsf)
Comments:

Snowslide - Lake Run cliffs

Media

Sun Valley Heli Ski remotely triggered this avalanche from lower angled terrain 800-1000' away. The group felt a collapse that propagated across the bowl into steeper, wind-loaded terrain. Avalanche released on a 9400', E aspect in the Western Smokys. Photo courtesy of Sun Valley Heli Ski.
While skiing this run, Sun Valley Heli Ski remotely triggered the avalanche left of center in the photo. The group felt a collapse that propagated 800-1000' across the bowl into steeper, wind-loaded terrain. Avalanche released on a 9400', E aspect in the Western Smokys. Photo courtesy of Sun Valley Heli Ski.