B737 MAX 8 Captain reported encountering 'borderline severe' wake turbulence at FL340 22 miles in trail of an aircraft at FL350.

Date: 2023-07 · Aircraft: B737 MAX 8 · Phase: cruise

Anomalies: inflight-event-encounter-loss-of-aircraft-control|inflight-event-encounter-wake-vortex-encounter

Synopsis

B737 MAX 8 Captain reported encountering 'borderline severe' wake turbulence at FL340 22 miles in trail of an aircraft at FL350.

Narrative

At cruise 22 NM behind (other carrier) aircraft at FL350. We were at FL340. Rides reported to be smooth. We started to feel a bit of wake. FO (First Officer) and I decided to 'slop' to right (R2). (Other carrier) aircraft ahead had also decided to slop R2. We were talking to them on 123.45. Wind was nil. We then decided to now go back to zero slop; which seemed to be better. A minute or so later; we encountered borderline severe wake turbulence. Aircraft rolled 30 degrees left. 'Roll authority' appeared on PFD's. Told FO to correct right; which he did. We were still in wake. We decided safest course was to deviate and slop 1 mile left (L1) to exit the wake. I then sent a message to ZOA to request climb; due to wake from (other carrier) aircraft ahead to FL360; which we received within two minutes. We then climbed and had a smooth uneventful flight. I called the FA's (Flight Attendants). Although they were a bit shaken; they reported no injuries in the cabin. No altitude was lost. We removed the L1 when we climbed through (other carrier) aircraft's altitude.Being so close behind a heavy aircraft; on same route; with zero wind at cruise was the perfect conditions for enroute wake with a roll upset.

NASA callback

Reporter stated he was surprised at the severity of the wake.

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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.