Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Public Field Report

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 16, 2020
Submitted:
January 17, 2020
Zone or Region:
Soldier and Wood River Valley Mtns
Activity:
Other
Location:
South of Couch Summit

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
6894'
Aspect:
W
Comments:
Approximately 1/2 mile south of Couch Summit. 2' plus deep slab next to road covered half of trail.
Photo:

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Observations

This was obviously a wind load slab on west aspect at 6894' on a groomed trail. It was triggered naturally. One of five slides that occurred within a 3 hour period after a groomer had passed through.

Media