Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Public Field Report

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 15, 2022
Submitted:
December 15, 2022
Zone or Region:
Soldier and Wood River Valley Mtns
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Democrat Gulch

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a person
Elevation:
7000
Aspect:
Comments:
We spotted numerous old avalanches from the previous storm cycle. Pretty much all aspects and elevations with enough slope angle seem capable of producing avalanches right now.

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks? 
No
Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing? 
Yes, Isolated

Observations

We skied mellow non-avalanche terrain in Democrat Gulch. We caused one very large collapse while ascending a low-angle ridge, but did not cause any snow to avalanche. There is definitely avalanche terrain near by, and I will continue to be avoiding being on or under steep slopes. The south valley terrain deserves extra attention since the line between avalanche and non-avalanche terrain can be very hard to identify. The snowpack is definitely still talking. Be safe out there!