Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Public Field Report

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 5, 2022
Submitted:
December 6, 2022
Zone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky Mtns
Activity:
Location:
Alturas

Triggered Avalanches

Did you trigger any avalanches? 
Yes
Was it intentional? 
No
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
Mid
Aspect:
E
Comments:
Remote trigger from several hundred yards away or more

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
Upper
Aspect:
E
Comments:
Saw smaller avalanche paths that had released on steep rocky faces at upper elevation terrain

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

150cm at 9000ft , close to 20cm HST maybe more in spots from Sunday 12/4. Extreme variability in snow pack at different aspects, copse terrain wisely

Media

Public Field Report: Alturas
Riders in the Alturas drainage near Smiley Creek remotely-triggered this avalanche from low-angled terrain several hundred yards away. Monday, Dec 5th.
Public Field Report: Alturas
Public Field Report: Alturas

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Wind Slab
Comments: 
Upper elevation bowls
Observed Avalanche Problem #2: 
Persistent Slab
Comments: