Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Avalanche Occurrence

General Information

Sun Valley Heli Ski staff triggered this persistent slab avalanche remotely while evaluating snow stability and conditions - amazingly, this slide released when the helicopter landed on a gentle slope about 1/4 mile away. NE aspect near 8400' in the western Smoky Mountains.

Observer:
SAC Forecaster

Verified by SAC?
Yes

Occurrence Date:
Dec 21, 2021 (Exact)

Location:
Snowslide Creek - Western Smoky Mtns

Comments:

Its A Wrap

Avalanche Characteristics

# of Avys:
1
Aspect:
NE
Start Zone Elev:
8400ft
Size:
D2 / R2
Type:
SS-Soft Slab
Trigger:
AV-Vehicle
r-Remote
Bed Surface:
O-Old Snow
Width:
130ft
Start Zone Slope:
40°
Weak Layer:
Dec 11, 2021 (FC)
Comments:

Slide was triggered by helicopter landing, from approximately 1/4 mile away.

Media

Sun Valley Heli Ski staff triggered this persistent slab avalanche remotely while evaluating snow stability and conditions - amazingly, this slide released when the helicopter landed on a gentle slope about 1/4 mile away. NE aspect near 8400' in the western Smoky Mountains.