Avalanche: 10420 1/2/2012

Observer Name:

Kyle Van Peursem

Observation Date:

01/02/2012

Occurrence Date:

01/02/2012

Occurrence Time:

1:00pm

Region:

Salt Lake
Big Cottonwood Canyon
10420

Location Name:

Kyle Van Peursem

Location

40° 36' 52.3404" N, 111° 33' 29.7576" W

Avalanche Characteristics

Elevation:

9700'

Aspect:

Northeast

Slope Angle:

Trigger:

Natural

Avalanche Type:

Soft Slab

Weak Layer:

Facets

Depth (avg):

unknown

Width:

150'

Vertical:

400'

Snow Profile

Snow Profile Comments:

Dug a pit on a similar slope an hour or so before the avalanche. Found 10cm of wind compacted rounds on top of lots and lots of facets which broke easily with minimal stress. The slope that did slide had much more wind loading as it was more exposed. I would expect this slope to have a much thicker, harder wind slab on top of the facets.

General Comments

Saw this avalanche while touring up around Guardsmans Pass. We ascended the ridge an hour earlier and the slope had not slid yet. Came back up and noticed the debris pile at the bottom. Did not see anyone skiing this slope, but a party of 3 did ski near the trees lookers left of the avalanche right after we ascended the ridge the first time. I highly doubt it was a sympathetic trigger from that ski party, we would've seen or heard it if it was. Most likely slid naturally as the sun heated up the surface during the day. Did not go and investigate the crown because I did not trust the stability of the surrounding slopes.

Video 1:

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