Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 14, 2021
Submitted:
January 14, 2021
Observer:
Chris Lundy
Zone or Region:
Banner Summit
Location:
Glassing: N Sawtooths to Banner Summit

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
Driving only, so collapsing/cracking obs N/A

Advanced Information

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Photos Details
3 Jan 13, 2021
(+/- 1 day)
Swamp Creek
E 8600ft
D2 N-Natural
Report
1 Jan 13, 2021
(+/- 1 day)
South of Copper
E 8700ft
D2 SS-Soft Slab O-Old Snow N-Natural
Avalanche that released south of Copper Mountain. This slope avalanched during the Solstice storm and has become a "repeat offender". E, 8700'
Report
1 Jan 13, 2021
(+/- 1 day)
Head of Swamp Creek
E 9000ft
D2 HS-Hard Slab N-Natural
Report
1 Jan 13, 2021
(+/- 1 day)
Mystery Peak
NE 9200ft
D2 N-Natural Report
3 Jan 13, 2021
(+/- 1 day)
South side of McGown
E 9200ft
D2.5 O-Old Snow N-Natural
Report
2 Jan 13, 2021
(+/- 1 day)
Iron/Goat Creek Divide
N 8600ft
D2.5 HS-Hard Slab O-Old Snow N-Natural
Report
1 Jan 13, 2021
(+/- 1 day)
Across from the Stanley Ranger Station
SW 7100ft
D1.5 SS-Soft Slab N-Natural
Report
1 Jan 13, 2021
(+/- 1 day)
Crooked Creek
NE 9400ft
D3 HS-Hard Slab O-Old Snow N-Natural
Wide and deep persistent slab in the northern Sawtooths. It broke approximately 1000' wide.
This very large avalanche occurred in the Sawtooth Mountains during the intense storm on 1/12-1/13.
Report
Swamp Creek
South of Copper
Head of Swamp Creek
Mystery Peak
South side of McGown
Iron/Goat Creek Divide
Across from the Stanley Ranger Station
Crooked Creek

Glassing for avalanche activity from the Stanley Ranger Station to Banner Summit. Avalanche activity seemed more widespread and dramatic in the Sawtooths. There were several deep, wide, and crisp persistent slabs in the Sawtooths.

The avalanches towards Banner Summit were thinner and less dramatic—indicating a shallower weak layer or the re-loading of slopes that had previously avalanched. Activity in the Banner Summit zone was difficult to assess. I saw at least one avalanche that looked newer from a distance, but upon comparison to a photo from 1/6, the crown was actually older (from the 1/4-5 event). This made me lose a little faith in other avalanche observations, but I did the best I could. At least one slide occurred on a slope that's already slid at least once, if not twice, this season.

In addition to the listed slides, there was evidence of a number of smaller, midstorm avalanches. There were also a few lower elevation wet loose slides from the rain, but all D1 or less.