Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Avalanche Occurrence

View Associated Field Report

General Information

This large avalanche was remotely triggered from 400-500' away on the ridgeline above. It broke 1-2' deep on a S-facing slope at 9,500', failing on the weak snow near the ground that exists across the forecast area.This slope had been heavily affected by previous winds.

Observer:
SAC Forecaster

Verified by SAC?
Yes

Occurrence Date:
Dec 30, 2022 (Exact)

Location:
Baker Ck - above Baker Lake

Comments:

This avalanche failed as a very stiff slab (K hard in places) on top of very weak, large facets, presumed to be the 11/27 interface. The snowpack here was heavily wind-afffected, this area is exposed to winds from both southerly and northerly storms. The avalanche augured through the facets as it traveled downslope, scouring to near the ground and producing a dirty bed surface. The slide pushed over and broke a few small trees.

Avalanche Characteristics

# of Avys:
1
Aspect:
S
Start Zone Elev:
9500ft
Size:
D2
Type:
HS-Hard Slab
Trigger:
AS-Skier
r-Remote
Bed Surface:
O-Old Snow
Depth:
1.5ft (max: 2.5ft)
Width:
250ft
Start Zone Slope:
37°
Vertical Fall:
500ft
Weak Layer:
Nov 27, 2022 (FC)
Comments:

I visited one section of the crown but did not walk across the entire crown. Width is an estimate, as are slope angle and max crown depth. Debris piled up deeply in the small bowl beneath the slide.

Media

This large avalanche was remotely triggered from 400-500' away on the ridgeline above. It broke 1-2' deep on a S-facing slope at 9,500', failing on the weak snow near the ground that exists across the forecast area.This slope had been heavily affected by previous winds.
This large avalanche was remotely triggered from 400-500' away on the ridgeline above. It broke 1-2' deep on a S-facing slope at 9,500', failing on the weak snow near the ground that exists across the forecast area.This slope had been heavily affected by previous winds.