Skier Triggered Avalanche Saddle Peak

There were two skier-triggered avalanches on Saddle Peak today. The first was relatively small, estimated depth of less than a foot. The second occurred later in the day and was much more significant. 

Downhill winds transported snow all day, loading wind-drifted snow onto slopes at upper and mid-elevations. At 1 PM, a solo skier descended Quarter Saddle toward Spencer's and Going Home Chute. The skier released a wind-slab avalanche that broke about a foot deep approximately 300 feet above the large cliff band on Saddle. The first release triggered a secondary slab that broke more widely (estimated 200' wide) and deeper (1-3 feet deep). The avalanche ran over the large cliffs into Going Home Chute. Bridger Bowl Ski Patrol interviewed the skier who triggered the avalanche along with a representative from GCSAR and the GNFAC. Based on the interview, the group believed it was unlikely that additional skiers were involved. Because of the interview, concerns about scene safety, and the timing of the avalanche, no search was performed on the ground. The team used binoculars from within the boundary of the ski area to look for obvious indications of a burial.