Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Avalanche Occurrence

General Information

This very large avalanche struck two homes after crossing the Big Wood River. Avalanche debris partially dammed the river and caused temporary flooding on War Eagle Rd. One home sustained significant damage as 2-3' of snow were deposited in multiple rooms of the house.

Observer:
SAC Forecaster

Verified by SAC?
Yes

Occurrence Date:
Mar 10, 2023 (Exact)

Location:
Della Mtn

Comments:

At least 2 very large D2.5 and multiple D2s released on the E face of Della. Nearly all available avalanche terrain released. Two homes were impacted. One was very lightly grazed. The other sustained damage to windows and doors. Snow entered the lower floor in multiple rooms leaving piles up to 3' deep.

Debris piles spanned the river in multiple locations an estimated 15-30+' deep. Water backed up onto War Eagle Rd and reached a reported depth of about 1 foot.

Avalanche Characteristics

# of Avys:
2
Aspect:
E (NE)
Start Zone Elev:
6200ft
Size:
D2.5
Trigger:
N-Natural

Impacts

Human Involvement:
None Reported
Vehicle Involvement:
1 - Struck
Structure Involvement:
1 - Struck
1 - Damaged
Comments:

Reports indicate that the avalanche passed through the driveway and struck a truck on War Eagle Rd.

Media

This very large avalanche struck two homes after crossing the Big Wood River. Avalanche debris partially dammed the river and caused temporary flooding on War Eagle Rd. One home sustained significant damage as 2-3' of snow were deposited in multiple rooms of the house.
This very large avalanche crossed the Big Wood River W of Hailey partially damming the river and temporarily flooding War Eagle Rd with up to a foot of water. Debris piles are an estimated 15-30' deep.