B737-300
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 198; Flight Crew Type 6000
Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control
Environment - Non Weather Related
We were on the SADDE Arrival passing over SMO VOR at 7;000 FT MSL. The aircraft began a roll to the left with the autopilot engaged. At approximately 30-40 degrees of bank; I disconnected the autopilot. The roll continued to 45 degrees. I was able to bring the wings level and recover. There was an altitude loss of 400-600 FT from our assigned altitude during recovery. We notified ATC of a possible wake turbulence encounter and altitude deviation. We were following a Boeing 767 on the arrival; however; we were well above their glide path. The wind at altitude was almost calm. I don't know how this could have been prevented. I believe the wake was from another aircraft. It would be almost impossible for it to be the preceding aircraft. The calm winds and topography may have allowed wake to remain in place longer than normal from another airplane ahead of the B767 we were following.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
B737-300 First Officer reported encountering wake turbulence on arrival to LAX that resulted in a 45 degree roll.