Avalanche

McDonald Peak/ Elevator Shaft

Avalanche.org observerSawtooth & Western Smoky Mtns
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Quick report

Cracking
specific

Snowmobiling across the valley was pleasant with recent strong winds smoothing out the snow surface. Cracking on the surface was limited to within 200 vertical feet of prominent ridge lines. Isolated hard slabs (6-12” thick) at the top of the Elevator shaft were difficult to trigger with ski cuts, but quite hollow underneath. Able to mitigate the entrance after some stomping and multiple passes.

Avalanche

The previously reported avalanche on McDonald peak was the most notable avalanche observed. Observed a smaller avalanche (appeared more than 2 weeks old) Between the ridgeline and the cliffs above the elevator shaft. Ran into the couloir about halfway down. 1-3 ft crown. N-HS-R1-D2-O.