Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Public Field Report

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 31, 2021
Submitted:
February 2, 2021
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
North ridge of Patterson Peak

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a person
Elevation:
7200
Aspect:
N
Comments:
Mid-storm soft slab.

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Observations

We skinned up and skiied down the same ridge staying out of avi terrain. No pits, but widespread collapsing. The skinning was challenging, variably supportable until 7500 feet when punching through became less common. Ski penetration was anywhere from 12 to 18 inches down low and 6-10 up higher. We did not dig any pits, but experienced widespread collapsing with occasional shooting cracks at every elevation on the rigde.