Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Avalanche Occurrence

View Associated Field Report

General Information

This wind slab avalanche released on a SE aspect at 9,500' near McDonald Peak in the southern Sawtooths. The slide

Observer:
Professional

Verified by SAC?
Yes

Occurrence Date:
Feb 14, 2023 (+/- 1 day)

Location:
Saddle near McDonald Pk

Comments:

This wind slab avalanche released on a SE aspect at 9,500' near McDonald Peak in the southern Sawtooths. The slide "stepped down" to break into a deeper weak layer before coming to rest on a bench.

I had expansive views of the southern Sawtooths, W. Smokys, Smokys, and Boulders. This was the only "large" avalanche I saw.

Avalanche Characteristics

# of Avys:
1
Aspect:
SE
Start Zone Elev:
9500ft
Size:
D1.5
Type:
HS-Hard Slab
Trigger:
N-Natural

Media

This wind slab avalanche released on a SE aspect at 9,500' near McDonald Peak in the southern Sawtooths. The slide "stepped down" to break into a deeper weak layer before coming to rest on a bench.
This wind slab avalanche released on a SE aspect at 9,500' near McDonald Peak in the southern Sawtooths. The slide "stepped down" to break into a deeper weak layer before coming to rest on a bench.