An avalanche and instability
Date
Activity
Snowmobiling
We dug pits and rode on Sawtelle Peak. At 9,100 feet we had unstable test results (ECTP13 x 5; ECTP10 x2; CT4, Q1). When the clouds lifted we could see a crown of a snowmobiler triggered slide that occured yesterday. It broke on the buried surface hoar and facets about 1.5 feet under the surface. Recent snow and wind-loading has created dangerous avalanche conditions.
The avalanche:
44.55581, -111.45085
El 9,286'HS - 143 cm
Surf hoar 96-95 cm
Slab was 18-24" deep
Not really wind loaded, but it looks like winds wrap around that face.
About 150' wide
about 300' vertical
Region
Island Park
Location (from list)
Sawtelle Peak
Observer Name
Doug Chabot