Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Public Field Report

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 13, 2019
Submitted:
December 13, 2019
Zone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky Mtns
Activity:
Snowmobiling/Snowbiking
Location:
Western Smoky Mtns

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
9000ft
Aspect:
NW
Comments:
Natural from yesterday
Photo:

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Observations

Rode up to 9000ft, probed 75-90cm HS depending on aspect/location. Widespread large Shooting cracks on low angle aspects, did not go on or below any steep slopes. Surprised we only saw one natural avalanche.

Not a pretty picture in the snowpack, staying extremely wary and cautious.

Media