Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Public Field Report

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 2, 2021
Submitted:
January 3, 2021
Zone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky Mtns
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
North east facing ridge a few miles past Alturas lake

Triggered Avalanches

Did you trigger any avalanches? 
Yes
Was it intentional? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Hard Slab
Size:
Size 3: Could bury and destroy a car, damage a truck, destroy a wood frame house, or break a few trees
Elevation:
Upper, 9’500
Aspect:
NE
Comments:
4 experienced skiers in the group, safe in low angle trees on ridge to side, remote triggered pretty large avalanche, 2’-4’ deep in places, ripped out of sight suspected all the way to the basin. Was really windy the night before, definitely a wind loaded slab. Crown was probably 100’ - 200’ wide. I think Matt will be submitting more pics too.

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

The slope that went was about 35 degrees, we skied the mellow ridge in trees, traveling and riding very cautiously the whole weekend. Will email video. Grant Nibley took the photos and video.

Media

Public Field Report: North east facing ridge a few miles past Alturas lake
This avalanche was remotely-triggered on Saturday from a low angle ridgeline adjacent to the slope. Alturas drainage, Sawtooth & Western Smokys zone.

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Wind Slab
Comments: