Observer Name
Trent Meisenheimer/Craig Gordon
Observation Date
Friday, December 21, 2012
Avalanche Date
Friday, December 21, 2012
Region
Skyline » Huntington Canyon » Left Fork Huntington Canyon » Lake Canyon » Phone Shot
Location Name or Route
Phone Shot
Elevation
Unknown
Aspect
Northeast
Slope Angle
Unknown
Trigger
Snowmobiler
Trigger: additional info
Remotely Triggered
Avalanche Type
Hard Slab
Avalanche Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Weak Layer
Facets
Depth
4'
Width
900'
Vertical
800'
Comments
The Skyline has a big avalanche problem, where avalanches can break into the buried weak layer of faceted snow near the ground. These types of avalanches will be unmanageable and could be triggered from a distance. Best to avoid steep E, N, NE, NW facing slopes steeper than 33 degrees in steepness. Slopes that face the southern half of the compass are generally a safer bet.
Great riding conditions with a supportable base, but don't let that trick you into thinking slopes are stable. The main problem is the extremely weak snow that is now buried 2-4 feet deep in places. Its a house of cards out there right now, its just waiting to come crashing down. The avalanches will be large enough to bury or seriously injury you.
Boondocking in the rock free meadows is the safest bet for now. We avoided all avalanche terrain today. This is a patience game, and right now we need to have some patience, remember its a long season.
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