Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Avalanche Occurrence

General Information

(3/18/23) A large avalanche was intentionally triggered from a shallow, rocky ridgeline on a west facing slope at 10,000' in the White Cloud mountains. The snowpack was significantly shallower in this location, where winds had raked away newer snow.

Observer:
SAC Forecaster

Verified by SAC?
Yes

Occurrence Date:
Mar 18, 2023 (Exact)

Location:
Blackman Peak

Comments:

A large avalanche was intentionally triggered from a shallow, rocky ridgeline on a west facing slope at 10,000' in the White Cloud mountains. The snowpack was significantly shallower in this location, where winds had raked away newer snow.

Avalanche Characteristics

# of Avys:
1
Aspect:
W
Start Zone Elev:
10000ft
Size:
D2
Type:
HS-Hard Slab
Trigger:
AS-Skier
c-Intentional
Bed Surface:
O-Old Snow
Depth:
1.5ft (max: 2.5ft)

Media

(3/18/23) A large avalanche was intentionally triggered from a shallow, rocky ridgeline on a west facing slope at 10,000' in the White Cloud mountains. The snowpack was significantly shallower in this location, where winds had raked away newer snow.
(3/18/23) A large avalanche was intentionally triggered from a shallow, rocky ridgeline on a west facing slope at 10,000' in the White Cloud mountains. The snowpack was significantly shallower in this location, where winds had raked away newer snow.