Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Public Field Report

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 15, 2023
Submitted:
March 15, 2023
Zone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky Mtns
Activity:
Snowmobiling/Snowbiking
Location:
Stanley - west end of Nip and Tuck

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Hard Slab
Size:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a person
Elevation:
6400-6560
Aspect:
NW
Comments:
Approx 100m wide
Approx 50m length
Approx 30cm crown
Debris piles up to 10’ deep

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks? 
Yes, Widespread
Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing? 
Yes, Widespread

Observations

Fresh avalanche. Still experiencing widespread collapsing on snowmachine approach and while skinning up, but less than a few days ago. Shooting cracks observed when turning the sled and tickling the deeper weak layer(s). Bizarre/cool circular crack/collapse while highmarking on SE-facing test slope. I avoided all avalanche terrain.

Media

Public Field Report: Stanley - west end of Nip and Tuck
Public Field Report: Stanley - west end of Nip and Tuck
Public Field Report: Stanley - west end of Nip and Tuck