Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Avalanche Occurrence

View Associated Field Report

General Information

Natural avalanches that released in heavily wind-loaded terrain just below the ridgeline in the W Fork of Prairie Ck drainage (E-SE aspects, 9800'). Both slides gouged out into older persistent weak layers in places.

Observer:
SAC Forecaster

Verified by SAC?
Yes

Occurrence Date:
Feb 2, 2021 (+/- 1 day)

Location:
W Fork Prairie Creek

Avalanche Characteristics

# of Avys:
2
Aspect:
E (E,SE)
Start Zone Elev:
9800ft
Size:
D2
Trigger:
N-Natural
Width:
100ft
Comments:

Both released in obviously wind-loaded terrain. Hard to tell if it initially failed on the Feb 2 interface or a deeper layer. They definitely pulled out into older snow, either 12/11 or 1/27 weak layers.

Media

Natural avalanches that released in heavily wind-loaded terrain just below the ridgeline in the W Fork of Prairie Ck drainage (E-SE aspects, 9800'). Both slides gouged out into older persistent weak layers in places.