Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Public Field Report

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 13, 2022
Submitted:
December 16, 2022
Zone or Region:
Soldier and Wood River Valley Mtns
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Out sunrise valley in Elkhorn, but approached from the east. See map.

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Hard Slab
Size:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a person
Elevation:
Upper about 6800
Aspect:
NE
Comments:
Unclear trigger; went all the way to the bottom of the valley but trees remained intact. Difficult to determine depth of crown from distance, but probably 18-24inches.

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Observations

Widespread collapsing. No avalanche activity seen on low angle slopes. Estimate this avalanche approx 35 degrees. Did not see it occur, but definitely occurred after the most recent storm as it wasn't there last weekend.

Media

Public Field Report: Out sunrise valley in Elkhorn, but approached from the east. See map.
Public Field Report: Out sunrise valley in Elkhorn, but approached from the east. See map.
Public Field Report: Out sunrise valley in Elkhorn, but approached from the east. See map.