Large natural avalanche on Saddle Peak

Saddle Peak
Bridger Range
Code
N-R2-D2.5-O
Elevation
9000
Aspect
E
Latitude
45.79430
Longitude
-110.93600
Notes

At 1:30 PM on Jan 6th a large avalanche poured over the cliffs on Saddle Peak, outside the boundaries of Bridger Bowl. Clouds obscured the starting zone. Multiple groups were in the runout zone, including a skier hitting a jump. One person was caught and buried up to his neck. He was able extricate himself and was unharmed. He did a beacon search at the toe of the debris. He estimated the debris was at least six feet deep.

We believe this was a natural avalanche that broke in the new and wind drifted snow which then broke into older snow. Bridger Bowl measured 6" of new snow with 0.75 inches of Snow Water Equivalent at the Alpine Wx. Station. The avalanche was estimated to be 2 feet deep, and measured on Google Earth to be 550 feet wide and 1700 feet long. 

Number of slides
1
Number caught
1
Number buried
1
Trigger
Natural trigger
R size
2
D size
2.5
Bed Surface
O - Old snow
Problem Type
Persistent Slab
Slab Thickness
24.0 inches
Vertical Fall
1700ft
Slab Width
550.00ft
Snow Observation Source
Slab Thickness units
inches
Single / Multiple / Red Flag
Single Avalanche
Advisory Year