Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Public Field Report

Observation Details

Observation Date:
April 2, 2020
Submitted:
April 2, 2020
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Newman Creek

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a person
Elevation:
9400 ft
Aspect:
NE
Comments:
Observed this avalanche out Newman Creek and various others from the top of Butterfield today. The other slides were the ones already reported out Anderson Creek and a few others way out in the Smokey’s - too far for a photo. They all released at upper elevation, likely wind loaded ridge lines
Photo:

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Significant wind effect at exposed ridge lines and dense slab formation on loaded NE/E aspects. Surface snow remained surprisingly dry on all aspects despite the sunshine, above about 8000 feet. Avoided all avalanche terrain - primarily wind loaded terrain and NW, N, NE, and E aspects.