Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Public Field Report

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 24, 2021
Submitted:
February 25, 2021
Zone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky Mtns
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Williams Peak, Upper Marshall Drainage

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Avoid wind-affected slopes steeper than 35 degrees. “Keep it simple and avoid avalanche terrain.” We skied upper and lower Marshall Bowl back down to Marshall Lake, keeping it close to 30 degree terrain, avoiding trigger points and terrain traps.

We were gaining the ridge on the SE aspect above Upper Marshall lake and felt anxious about entering more wind affected, exposed slopes. Decided to dig a pit before entering greater than 30 degree terrain.

Media

Public Field Report: Williams Peak, Upper Marshall Drainage
Public Field Report: Williams Peak, Upper Marshall Drainage
Public Field Report: Williams Peak, Upper Marshall Drainage
Public Field Report: Williams Peak, Upper Marshall Drainage

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Persistent Slab
Comments: 
Upper Marshall Lake Bowl
Elevation = 9,580 ft
Time = 12:52pm
Partly Cloudy
Slope = SE Aspect, Approx. 31 Degrees

Compression Test
Sugar Layer at 145cm Above Ground
Total Ht of Snow = 240cm
2 wrist taps broke to 215cm (CT 2)
3 additional wrist taps broke to 145cm sugar layer (CT 5, 145cm)
Potential Size = R3