Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Avalanche Occurrence

View Associated Field Report

General Information

This large avalanche failed near the tail end of the big storm in mid-December. This peak is in the Prairie Creek drainage of the Smoky Mountains, northeast of Norton Peak. The crown spans nearly 500' wide (the portion that is visible at least, there may be more hidden out of sight to the right). This slope faces northeast at 9,600'.

Observer:
SAC Forecaster

Verified by SAC?
Yes

Occurrence Date:
Dec 14, 2021 (+/- 1 day)

Location:
Prairie Creek

Avalanche Characteristics

# of Avys:
1
Aspect:
NE
Start Zone Elev:
9600ft
Size:
D2.5
Type:
SS-Soft Slab
Trigger:
N-Natural
Weak Layer:
Dec 11, 2021 (FC)
Comments:

Suspect this failed on 12/11 based on crown width/character.

Media

This large avalanche failed near the tail end of the big storm in mid-December. This peak is in the Prairie Creek drainage of the Smoky Mountains, northeast of Norton Peak. The crown spans nearly 500' wide (the portion that is visible at least, there may be more hidden out of sight to the right). This slope faces northeast at 9,600'.