Avalanche: Gravel Pit Lanes 12/16/2011

Observer Name:

Max Forgensi

Observation Date:

12/16/2011

Occurrence Date:

12/16/2011

Occurrence Time:

Unknown

Region:

Gravel Pit Lanes
Tukno NE Face
Gold Basin
Moab

Location Name:

Tuk No slide Path, Little Tuk No slide path, Exxons Folly, N Face Tuk, Laurel Cirque,

Location

38° 26' 57.822" N, 109° 15' 39.3156" W

Avalanche Characteristics

Elevation:

11200'

and below

Elevation Range Maximum:

11300'

Elevation Range Minimum:

10500'

Aspect:

Northeast

Trigger:

Natural

Trigger: additional info:

Repeater

Avalanche Type:

Soft Slab

Weak Layer:

Facets

Depth (avg):

Depth Range:

12" to

20"

Width:

150'

Width Range:

100' to

200'

Vertical:

600'

Snow Profile

Snow Profile Comments:

Stayed on the low angled flank of Coyote Chute in a concavity. I guessed 21 degree slope angle at pit level...actual slope angle measured at 21.5 degrees. Dang it!

General Comments

Widespread avalanche activity on North and Northeast facing aspects. Upper snowpack is drying out. Some point releases on west aspects observed above treeline. Skiing was actually pretty good from 11,300' to about 10,500' where submarine snow and ground hazards still rule. Enough snow to slide out on though.

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