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Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 9, 2019
Submitted:
December 9, 2019
Observer:
SAC - VandenBos
Zone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky Mtns
Location:
Sawtooth Glassing

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Bottom Line

Only had a few minutes to glass the Sawtooths from the overlook this morning - observed widespread avalanche activity between McDonald and Decker. Poor visibility into headwaters. Most avalanches appeared to have failed during the storm. Based on crown depth, I suspect slides were failing at the new/old interface, but difficult to say with any certainty.

Media

Natural avalanches on Decker Peak. Crowns are difficult to see, look for piles of debris beneath avalanche paths
Widespread avalanche activity on McDonald Peak in the southern Sawtooths. Look for piles of debris, then follow uphill and search out faint crowns. Some appeared to have failed many hundreds of feet wide.

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