Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Public Field Report

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 26, 2022
Submitted:
December 26, 2022
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Activity:
Snowmobiling/Snowbiking
Location:
Fourth of July / Washington Lake Creek Drainage

Triggered Avalanches

Did you trigger any avalanches? 
Yes
Was it intentional? 
No
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a person
Elevation:
10500
Aspect:
E
Comments:

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Wet Loose
Size:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a person
Elevation:
9000
Aspect:
S
Comments:
Multiple wet loose slides along south aspects of Fourth of July road

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Group of 4 snowmobile/snowbikers. Stayed pretty cautious all day, but triggered slide from below, probably 1/4-1/3 mile as crow flies and 400' below crown. All members of party were able to stay clear. Really nasty crystalline layer in the snowpack.

Media

Snowmobilers remotely triggered this large avalanche in the White Clouds while riding in flatter terrain an estimated 1/4 mile away. Above Washington Lake, 10,500', E-NE.