Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
April 4, 2021
Submitted:
April 4, 2021
Observer:
SAC - VandenBos
Zone or Region:
Soldier and Wood River Valley Mtns
Location:
Warm Springs (6,200-8,000')

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
Did not travel over much snow, so cracking and collapsing are N/O.

Media/Attachments

Close up of starting zone of Senate Peak slide.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Wind:
Light , SW

Light to moderate winds blowing out of the W-SW. Skies were generally clear.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Comments Photo
1 Basset Gulch
E 7,200'
D1 WS Unsure on the timing, but it did look relatively recent. This appeared to have been a wet slab, but I did not have a good perspective on the slide.
Basset Gulch, E aspect, 7,200'
1 Senate Peak
S 10,100'
D1.5 WL O-Old Snow AS-Skier Could not see base of debris, listed as a D1.5 but could have approached a D2. Appeared to be triggered by two skiers. Based on other obs, it occurred today between 1100 and 1400. Second photo attached below.
Senate Peak, S/SW aspect, 10,100'.

Observed one small slide in Basset Gulch and one apparently human-triggered slide on Senate Peak.

Snowpack Observations

I traveled over very little snow, my primary goal was to get up high and look for recent avalanche activity. Slide in Basset Gulch was the only recent slide I observed in the drainage. I was able to walk on snow in tennis shoes around 1300 on a S/SW aspect at 7,800'. I broke through about 15-20% of the time.