Deep slab on Elephant Mtn.

Elephant Mountain
Northern Gallatin
Code
HS-R3-D3-O
Elevation
9800
Aspect
NE
Latitude
45.44210
Longitude
-110.98600
Notes

Large avalanche seen in the Bunny Ears on Elephant Mtn in Hyalite. Deepest part of crown estimated to be 8-10'. Observed by two parties on 3/23/23. Unsure on exact timing of the avalanche, but likely was between 3/22 and 3/23. An ice climber had a photo of the slope from the afternoon of 3/22 and the slide had not happened yet. Unknown trigger. On the evening of 3/23, a group of skiers saw multiple other tracks on slopes above and adjacent to the crown, but unsure if those triggered it or turned around after seeing the crown.

Number of slides
1
Number caught
0
Number buried
0
Avalanche Type
Hard slab avalanche
R size
3
D size
3
Bed Surface
O - Old snow
Problem Type
Persistent Weak Layer
Slab Thickness
72.0 inches
Vertical Fall
1100ft
Slab Width
500.00ft
Snow Observation Source
Slab Thickness units
inches
Single / Multiple / Red Flag
Single Avalanche
Advisory Year